India, Pakistan to iron out technicalities

Pakistani Sikhs walk before a groundbreaking ceremony for the Kartarpur Corridor to be set up between India and Pakistan in Kartarpur. – [File Photo]

LAHORE: Delegations from Pakistan and India are set to meet on July 14 at the Wagha Border to discuss important matters pertaining to the Kartarpur Corridor.

Among other matters, the delegation needs to agree on a time and date for the corridor’s inauguration along with deciding if the opening will be held jointly.

If the decision to inaugurate the corridor jointly is taken, the potential representation from both sides will also be deliberated upon. It is likely that Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa will represent the Pakistani side.

Technical details pertaining to how many days will the corridor remain open for and how many devotees will be allowed through during the first wave will also be discussed.

As some devotees will be given visa exceptions, the issue of how many days in the year will they be given access to the corridor will be considered along with the limit on currency that the devotees will be able to carry.

It is likely that the construction of a causeway will also be discussed.

The delegation will also look into the online registration process and entry fee if any by Pakistan, as well as joint video surveillance.

Numbers of devotees to be allowed access on special occasions and details of mandatory medical and emergency services are expected to be finalized in the meeting.

It has also been decided that a hotline will be established between the immigration and customs department of both the countries for smooth communication.