Chief Minister of Punjab Charanjit Singh Channi And some of his cabinet ministers on Thursday offered prayers at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, traveling through the visa-free Kartarpur Corridor, which reopened after a gap of 20 months.
Channi, along with Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal, PWD Minister Vijay Inder Singla, MLAs Harpratap Singh Ajnala and Barindermeet Singh Pahra and their family members crossed the border around 1 pm. “I am very happy to be here. I have received a lot of love from Punjabis, Pakistanis and SGPC and I am very much indebted for it,” Channi said after reaching the dargah.
The more than 4 km long Kartarpur Corridor connects Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan with Dera Baba Nanak Temple in Gurdaspur district.
Channi said he would pray for prosperity, peace and harmony on both sides of the border at the gurdwara.
Upon his return, Channi urged the governments of India and Pakistan to simplify the process of obtaining permission to offer prayers at the Gurdwara. He also announced free bus service to Dera Baba Nanak from across Punjab for the convenience of the pilgrims who are allowed to visit Kartarpur Sahib.
Talking to media persons, Channi expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister. Narendra Modi and their Pakistani counterparts Imran Khan To take a “historic initiative” to reopen the corridor. He said India and Pakistan should consider starting trade and commerce through Punjab’s borders, adding that it would help usher in “a new era of unprecedented progress and prosperity” in the state.
Evacuee Trust Property Board spokesperson Amir Hashmi said in Lahore that apart from the group led by Channi, there is a 21-member delegation. BJP The leaders also visited Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kartarpur Corridor Project Management Unit Muhammad Latif, who welcomed the Indian delegation to Kartarpur Sahib, said the Punjab Chief Minister was “overjoyed” to visit the dargah and added that he would love to visit again.
— With PTI inputs, Lahore
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