AMRITSAR: The Pakistan government has convened a meeting of the Kartarpur Gurdwara
Governing Council (KGGC) on Monday to contemplate over various issues, including $20
service fee charged from Indian pilgrims and beginning of the second phase of
development at Kartarpur.
Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) chairperson Habib ur Rehman said on Sunday that
the KGGC would contemplate and take decision on the beginning of the second phase of
development at Kartarpur corridor for attracting more tourists from across the world.”There
are proposals to construct new hotels, shopping malls, entertainment centres, etc. along
the corridor with an aim to provide better facilities to the pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Darbar
Sahib, Kartapur,” he said.The meeting would be held at the office of Project Management
Unit (PMU), Kartarpur Corridor, in Narowal district.
Significantly, the KGGC includes members from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI),
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Pakistan Rangers, the police and other administrative
officials but none of the leaders or representatives of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara
Parbandhak Committee.
Sharing further details, ETPB spokesperson Aamir Hashmi said other significant issues
which would be reviewed by the KGGC include rationalisation of $20 service charges,
allowing night stay to the Indian pilgrims at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur,
appointment of tourist guides, shuttle service, and permanent appointment of the PMU
staff.
The meeting is being held under the aegis of Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and
Interfaith Harmony and has members, including ETPB chairperson Habib ur Rehman, PMU
chief executive officer Muhammad Abu Bakar, ISI’s Col Asmi and FIA’s Amanullah.
Meanwhile, Habib ur Rehman said he had visited Gurdwara Biba Singh; Gurdwara Bhai
Joga Singh; Kalibari Mandir, Peshawar; and another temple in Aryan Bazar, Sadar,
Peshawar, and held meetings with the local Sikhs and Hindu’s to resolve their issues.
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