US delegation visits Kartarpur Corridor with Naqvi

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: A delegation of US Congress members, accompanied by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, visited the Kartarpur Corridor and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib to participate in Baisakhi celebrations.

The delegation included US Congressman Thomas Richard Suozzi, Congressman Jonathan Jackson, Acting US Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie Baker, and US Consul General in Lahore Kristen K. Hawkins.

The delegation was warmly welcomed at the Darshan Deori by prominent members of the Sikh community. Interior Minister Naqvi and the US delegation extended heartfelt congratulations to the Sikh community on the occasion of Baisakhi. During the visit, the delegation toured the Gurdwara Sahib, observed sacred relics associated with Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and attended a special prayer ceremony. They also visited the historic well within the premises.

Congressman Thomas Suozzi expressed his gratitude and hope for improved relations between Pakistan and India. “It feels incredibly good to be here in Kartarpur. I am particularly thankful to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for bringing us here. On this occasion of Baisakhi, I extend my heartiest congratulations to the Sikh community. This visit gives me hope — if India and Pakistan can collaborate on Kartarpur, there is potential for greater harmony in the future,” he said. He added, “I thank our hosts in Pakistan and also extend greetings to friends across the border. May both countries move towards stronger bilateral ties.”

Congressman Jonathan Jackson echoed these sentiments, praising the hospitality and arrangements. “I fully agree with Congressman Suozzi. This visit has been excellent. I’m grateful for your warm welcome and extend my congratulations to all on Baisakhi. May God bless us all and foster peace, unity, friendship, and love among us,” he stated.

The delegation also visited the ‘langar’ hall, where they shared a meal with the Sikh community, further highlighting the spirit of inclusivity and respect. They were presented with traditional Saropa and Kirpan as a token of appreciation.

Sikh pilgrims from India met the delegation and took photographs with the guests. The US lawmakers lauded the facilities and arrangements at the Kartarpur Corridor, calling them exemplary.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reiterated the government’s commitment to providing top-tier facilities for Sikh pilgrims. “Facilitating Sikh yatrees is among our top priorities. We’ve made the visa process easier, and we encourage more Sikh pilgrims to visit Pakistan and their sacred sites. Pakistan is a peaceful and loving country, where people of all faiths are treated with dignity and respect,” he said.

The delegation concluded their visit at Zero Point, expressing appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts in promoting religious harmony and regional peace.

Meanwhile, in a positive development for a mineral-rich Pakistan, US congressmen have termed their visit to Pakistan “highly successful and significant for the future”.

Speaking about the visit to attend the Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum 25 (PMIF25) last week, Congressman Jack Bergman said the importance of Pakistan-US relations is undeniable. He said the two countries are working in different sectors and promoting partnership. “Mineral is a key sector in this partnership.”

Congressman Thomas Suozzi said: “We must build Pakistan-US relations on strong foundations.” He added that both countries would work together for economic security and promote economic activities.

Another member of the delegation, comprising US dignitaries, Congressman Jonathan Jackson, said he witnessed a practical demonstration of faith, unity and discipline in Pakistan.

“There is a golden opportunity to further strengthen relations with Pakistan based on shared history and mutual trust,” he said, expressing the confidence that “Pakistan’s future is extremely bright”.

A US congressional delegation, led by US House of Representatives Congressman Bergman, recently met several dignitaries in Pakistan and held discussions on a range of matters of mutual interests.

The delegation on Sunday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir and commended Pakistan’s armed forces for their pivotal role in combating terrorism.

The congressmen also acknowledged Pakistan’s enduring contributions to the regional peace and stability. They discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on regional security and defence cooperation.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), both sides reaffirmed the importance of sustained engagement based on mutual respect, shared values, and converging strategic interests.

The congressmen also deeply appreciated Pakistan’s resilience and the strategic potential of its people. Earlier, the delegation met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal in Islamabad as well. Wherein, they acknowledged the importance of Pakistan’s role and unmatched sacrifices in the war against terrorism.

Both sides exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, and investment. Discussions were also held on security, counterterrorism, and border security during these meetings.

Iqbal also advocated for a new development-focused foundation in Pakistan-US bilateral ties, emphasising education, energy, climate change, infrastructure, and IT, and acknowledged the transformative influence of US higher education through programmes like the Fulbright Scholarship.

The federal minister for planning and development welcomed the resumption of congressional exchanges with Pakistan and appreciated the US initiative for a symposium on Pakistan at the Library of Congress on April 30.