U-turn: Pakistan to charge USD 20 fee even on inaugural day of Kartarpur Corridor
New Delhi/UNI: Hours before the inauguration of the much-awaited Kartarpur Corridor, Pakistan reportedly informed the government of India on Friday that it will charge USD 20 as fee from all pilgrims on Saturday itself.
According to sources, there is no clearance from Pakistani side on the first batch of pilgrims as of yet.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on November 1 had tweeted to announce that he would waive off two key requirements for Sikhs "coming for pilgrimage to Kartarpur from India" and also said that no fee would be charged on the day of inauguration and on Guru Nanak Devji's 550th birthday.
The names in the first batch submitted to Pakistan include the likes of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and Union Ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri.
"It is a matter of faith and the government and entire country is taking a leap of faith vis-a-vis paying obeisance at Kartarpur Sahib corridor," a BJP source said.
Sources said the ruling party and the central government feel "all will go as per plans".
Pakistan Army had earlier - in sharp contrast to Imran Khan's announcement - said that passport would be a requisite document for the pilgrims.
Image: UNI
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