At least, 10,000 Sikh pilgrims from across the world, including India, arrived in Pakistan to participate in the 555th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

Baba Guru Nanak, revered as Guru Nanak Dev Ji, is the illustrious founder of Sikhism and the first among the 10 esteemed Sikh Gurus. His life journey began on April 15, 1469 in the quaint village of Talwandi, which is now recognized as Nankana Sahib, situated in present-day Pakistan.

A Sikh Guru is a spiritual teacher and guide who imparts wisdom, promotes equality, and leads followers on the path of truth and devotion in Sikhism.

Guru Nanak’s core principles include the belief in one universal Creator, meditation on God’s name, and His hymns and teachings, later compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib, form the spiritual foundation of Sikhism.

He spent his later years in Kartarpur, a town he established in present-day Pakistan, living a life dedicated to service and community.

Kartarpur, located in the Narowal district near the India-Pakistan border, holds equal spiritual importance as the place where Guru Nanak spent the last 18 years of his life.

Nankana Sahib, situated about 75 kilometers west of Lahore, is revered as the birthplace of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. It is a prominent pilgrimage site, home to several historic Gurdwaras commemorating Guru Nanak’s early life and teachings.

Kartarpur, located in the Narowal district near the India-Pakistan border, holds equal spiritual importance as the place where Guru Nanak spent the last 18 years of his life, establishing the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. This is also where he passed away in 1539, making it one of the holiest shrines in Sikhism.

The two sites, connected through their deep ties to Guru Nanak’s life, represent sacred milestones in Sikh heritage. Together, they form a spiritual circuit for millions of Sikh pilgrims who visit Pakistan to honor the legacy of their revered Guru.

The Kartarpur Corridor, in particular, has further strengthened the accessibility and emotional connection between these two iconic landmarks by facilitating visa-free pilgrimage from India to Kartarpur, underscoring Pakistan’s efforts to promote interfaith harmony.

Since the establishment of this corridor, hundreds of thousands of Sikh devotees have made the pilgrimage to pay their respects and connect with their spiritual heritage.

The initiative not only symbolizes goodwill between the two neighboring countries but also promotes intercultural understanding and strengthens the bonds of the Sikh community around the world.

The “Highway of Peace and Friendship” corridor symbolizes goodwill between the two nations. Despite strained relations in subsequent years, the Kartarpur Corridor remains operational, providing visa-free access for Sikh pilgrims.

The Kartarpur Corridor is a historic initiative symbolizing interfaith harmony and diplomatic goodwill. Located in Punjab, Pakistan, the corridor connects the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur, India, to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, the final resting place of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

Despite its symbolism, the Kartarpur Corridor has yet to become a transformative force in Indo-Pak relations.

This visa-free passage allows Sikh pilgrims from India to visit one of their holiest sites without the complexities of traditional travel requirements.

For decades, Indian Sikhs had to view the Gurdwara from across the border with binoculars, yearning for a closer connection.

The corridor’s opening in 2018, which corresponded with the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, turned this dream into reality, making it an unparalleled gesture of respect and inclusivity by Pakistan.

Named the “Highway of Peace and Friendship,” the Kartarpur Corridor was hailed as a beacon of hope in the tumultuous relationship between Pakistan and India.

The corridor’s diplomatic significance cannot be overstated. For decades, relations between Pakistan and India have been marred by mistrust, border skirmishes, and unresolved disputes, most notably over Kashmir.

The Kartarpur Corridor emerged as a rare instance of cooperation, showing that the two nations can unite over shared cultural and religious heritage.

By offering a space for dialogue and goodwill, the corridor has demonstrated the potential to transcend political divides.

The corridor’s operational continuity, even amid heightened tensions, is a testament to its resilience. After the Indian government revoked Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, relations between the two countries deteriorated further. Diplomatic ties were downgraded, and cross-border trade was suspended. Yet, the Kartarpur Corridor remained functional, reflecting its sanctity and Pakistan’s commitment to interfaith harmony.

Despite its symbolism, the Kartarpur Corridor has yet to become a transformative force in Indo-Pak relations. Several factors hinder its potential to restore trust. The deep-seated mistrust between the two governments limits the corridor’s diplomatic utility.

While Pakistan views the initiative as a goodwill gesture, Indian authorities have expressed concerns about possible security threats and alleged misuse of the corridor for political propaganda. The unresolved Kashmir conflict remains a major roadblock to improving ties.

For India, any engagement with Pakistan is contingent on addressing cross-border terrorism, a claim Pakistan denies. Without progress on such core issues, the corridor’s impact is confined to religious diplomacy.

Both nations often politicize the corridor to cater to domestic audiences. In Pakistan, it is portrayed as a testament to its inclusivity and goodwill, while in India, the initiative is sometimes overshadowed by nationalist rhetoric, diluting its potential as a peace-building tool.

Bilateral trade and economic cooperation, vital for any meaningful reconciliation, remain frozen. The corridor, while symbolically significant, does not address broader economic concerns that could foster interdependence and reduce hostility.

To unlock the Kartarpur Corridor’s potential as a catalyst for reconciliation, both Pakistan and India need to adopt a pragmatic approach. Confidence-building measures beyond the corridor can reinforce mutual trust. Resuming bilateral dialogues on trade, water-sharing, and cultural exchanges can provide a foundation for long-term engagement.

A collaborative approach to tackle the shared challenges, such as climate change and poverty, could further ease tensions.

Both nations must ensure that the Kartarpur Corridor remains above political agendas. Collaborative management of the corridor and joint events celebrating shared heritage can help maintain its sanctity as a symbol of peace.

Facilitating more visa-free exchanges for religious and cultural tourism can foster grassroots connections. Increased interaction between ordinary citizens has the potential to humanize relations and counter divisive narratives.

Engaging in multilateral platforms like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation to address broader regional issues can complement the goodwill generated by the corridor. A collaborative approach to tackle the shared challenges, such as climate change and poverty, could further ease tensions.

The Kartarpur Corridor stands as a powerful symbol of what is possible when two nations prioritize common humanity over entrenched divisions. While its immediate impact on Pakistan-India relations has been limited, the corridor serves as a reminder that peace is achievable through shared values and mutual respect.

To realize its full potential, both nations must take deliberate steps to bridge their differences, starting with depoliticizing initiatives like the Kartarpur Corridor.

Though challenges persist, the corridor provides a rare and enduring example of cooperation in one of the world’s most contentious regions, offering a glimmer of hope for a more peaceful future.