How much Pakistan can earn with Kartarpur Corridor?

• As per the agreement, Pakistan government will charge USD20 per pilgrim per visit, as service charges.
• Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the corridor on November 9.

After much debate and rounds of talks, Pakistan and India finally inked the agreement on Kartarpur Corridor, which is slated to be inaugurated next month. It would not only open avenues for religious tourism but would also generate revenue for Pakistan.

As per the agreement, the Government of Pakistan will charge USD20 per pilgrim per visit, as service charges. “5000 pilgrims shall be permitted to visit Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahab through the Kartarpur Sahib corridor on any given day, with an additional provision for more pilgrims on special days including Gurpurab, Baisakhi etc subject to capacity,” stated the agreement.

Taking the agreement into account, we can calculate the amount of revenue Pakistan could generate which sums up to $100,000 [Rs15.574 million] every day and since the corridor will remain open 365 days of the year, it could potentially generate a direct income of USD36.5 million i.e. Rs5.55 billion per annum.

The government's decision to open Kartarpur Corridor and signing border agreement with India for Sikh community would open vast opportunities for religious tourism, said Foreign Office Spokesperson Mohammad Faisal.

The Sikh community from Europe, India and other countries would get to enjoy visiting their religious places in Pakistan, he said while speaking to a private news channel program.

We are following the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon (PBUH), regarding provision of facilities to minorities, he added.

Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the corridor on November 9, after which visa free link between Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur and Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Punjab will open for the pilgrims.