Pak Minister Proposed Religious Corridor in Sindh to Boost Hindu and Jain Pilgrimage

A proposal to create a religious corridor in Sindh, Pakistan, aims to facilitate Hindu and Jain pilgrims visiting historical temples in the region.

In a move to enhance religious tourism and strengthen cross-border ties, Sindh Tourism Minister Zulfiqar Ali Shah has proposed the establishment of a religious corridor in Sindh province, Pakistan. This corridor would enable Hindu and Jain pilgrims from India to visit their historical and sacred sites in Sindh, specifically in the areas of Umarkot and Nagarparkar.

Minister Shah announced this proposal during a tourism promotion event in Dubai. Umarkot is renowned for the ancient Shri Shiv Mandir, which is believed to be over 2,000 years old. Nagarparkar, on the other hand, houses numerous abandoned Jain temples and a significant Hindu population.

The proposed corridor is inspired by the Kartarpur Corridor, which allows Sikh pilgrims from India to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, without a visa. This corridor, opened in November 2019, serves as a model for facilitating religious tourism and promoting peace between neighboring countries.

Shah emphasized the interest of many Hindus and Jains in visiting these sacred sites in Sindh. To further support this initiative, he suggested the introduction of a weekly flight from India to Sukkur or Larkana, enhancing accessibility for Indian pilgrims.

A spokesperson from the Sindh government confirmed that Minister Shah has discussed the proposal with his departmental officials. However, it is recognized that such a project also requires approval and cooperation from the federal government of Pakistan.

The historical connection between Sindh and Rajasthan was previously supported by the Thar Express train service, which linked Munabao in Rajasthan to Khokhrapar in Sindh. This service was resumed in 2006 during the tenure of President Pervez Musharraf after being closed for several years. However, the service has been discontinued since August 2019 due to geopolitical tensions.

The Kartarpur Corridor serves as a successful precedent for such initiatives. This corridor, about 4.1 kilometers from the Pakistan-India border, allows Sikh pilgrims to visit one of their holiest sites, the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. This site is the final resting place of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

Pakistan is home to a significant Hindu minority, with official estimates indicating around 7.5 million Hindus, though community estimates suggest the number could be over 9 million. Prominent Hindu temples in Pakistan include the Param Hans Ji Maharaj Samadhi in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Hinglaj Mata Mandir in Balochistan, the Katas Raj complex in Punjab, and Prahlad Bhagat Mandir in Multan.

These sites, along with the proposed corridor in Sindh, hold immense religious significance and have the potential to foster better relations between India and Pakistan through cultural and religious exchange.

The Evacuee Property Trust Board (EPTB) in Pakistan manages the religious properties and shrines of Hindus and Sikhs who migrated to India after the Partition. This proposal, if realized, could significantly enhance the accessibility and preservation of these historical and religious sites.

In conclusion, the proposed religious corridor in Sindh represents a significant step towards promoting religious tourism and fostering cross-border harmony. With adequate support from both provincial and federal governments, this initiative could provide an invaluable opportunity for Hindu and Jain pilgrims to connect with their heritage.