Draft of Kartarpur pact for Pak soon

Smita Sharma
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, February 5

India hopes to share a draft agreement on the Kartarpur corridor with Pakistan and complete legal modalities in a month.

The Indian stakeholders held another meeting, chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, today, aimed at fast-tracking implementation of the project ahead of the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Among those present were Punjab Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh, BSF DG RK Misra, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria and senior officials from coordinating agencies.

“We discussed all aspects of the agreement that we want to finalise with Pakistan. We are hopeful of sending the draft proposal and complete legal modalities in a month,” said Singh.

According to officials, land acquisition for the highway and the integrated check post (ICP) were the key issues discussed. The ICP details are likely to be finalised by next week. 

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) will make available land to commence the preliminary work. “Land acquisition is in progress. This involves four stages, we are at the second stage. We are hopeful that in a month-and-a-half we will complete this process,” Singh said.

While the preliminary notification for land acquisition for the highway has been issued, the notification to acquire land for the ICP would be issued tomorrow. 

India had earlier proposed February 26 and March 7 for visit of the Pakistan delegation here to finalise modalities. “The two sides remain in touch on the issue,” said a Pakistani diplomat.