ISLAMABAD: In the first high-level bilateral meeting after tensions peaked between two neighbouring countries, Pakistan and India are set to hold talks on the Kartarpur Corridor at Attari today (Thursday).
Led by Director General South Asia and SAARC Dr Muhammad Faisal, a Pakistani delegation left for Attari via Wagah. The delegation also comprises members of a technical team that will hold a meeting on the sidelines. Joint Secretary SCL Das from the Indian Home Ministry will lead the Indian side.
Speaking to the media before departure at Wagah, Dr Faisal said they were traveling to India with a limited mandate of holding talks on the Kartapur Corridor, which he said was in line with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
He said the delegation was taking along a positive message and hoped that India would equally reciprocate by taking a positive step.
Dr Fisal said de-escalation of tensions between the two nuclear powers was vital for regional peace.
He said Pakistan agreed to the Indian proposal of meeting at Attari in line with its sincere efforts to de-escalate the situation for regional peace and stability, adding Pakistan was moving forward with the spirit of constructive engagement and flexibility.
The spokesperson said the opening of Kartarpur Corridor was a longstanding demand of the Sikhs community and Prime Minister Imran Khan’s initiative is reflective of the importance that Pakistan gives to all its minorities. He said the corridor project will facilitate the Sikhs especially from India to visit their religious sites.
The meeting will try to finalise modalities of the Kartarpur Corridor between the two countries to enable Sikh pilgrims to observe the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev at Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib.
The project connects two Sikh holy sites – Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan and Dera Baba Nanak in India.
It is noteworthy that India has denied visa to Pakistani journalists to cover the Attari meeting.
Read More: FO regrets Indian decision of not issuing visas to Pakistani newsmen
In his tweet on Wednesday, Dr Faisal said, “Regrettable that India has not given visas to Pakistani journalists for the kartarpur meeting tomorrow. Hope the Pak Kartarpur Spirit & meeting tomorrow will bring a change for the better for people of both countries.”
He recalled that more than 30 Indian journalists were issued visa last year to cover the Kartarpur ground breaking ceremony.
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