India, Pakistan agree to work towards operationalising Kartarpur Corridor; second round of talks on April 2 

The first round of talks between Indian and Pakistani officials on the modalities of Kartarpur Corridor ended on Thursday with both sides now set to meet on April 2 on the Pakistani side of Wagah.

The meeting discussed the modalities and the draft agreement for facilitation of pilgrims using the Kartarpur Corridor.

A joint statement released said both sides held detailed and constructive discussions on various aspects and provisions of the proposed agreement and agreed to work towards expeditiously operationalising the Kartapur Sahib Corridor.

There will be a meeting of India and Pakistan technical experts on March 19, 2019 at the proposed zero points to finalize the alignment of the corridor.

Dr Mohammad Faisal, Pakistan delegation leader & spokesperson of Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs after crossing over to Pakistan said," The meeting has been positive. We have been able to move forward as the atmosphere was conducive."

While the Indian delegation was led by SCL Das, Joint Secretary (Internal Security) in MHA and Joint Secretary (PAI--Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) MEA, Deepak Mittal, the  Pakistan Delegation was led by Director-General South Asia and SAARC Dr Mohammad Faisal along with officials from Pakistan's interior, law and religious affairs ministry. 

18 member Pakistan delegation included Dr Fareha Bugti, director India at the Pakistani foreign ministry, Dilshad Ahmad, Joint Secretary, Pakistan's interior ministry, Tahir Ehsan, Joint Secretary, chairman, Evacuee Trust Property Board, which takes care of Hindu and Sikh shrines in Pakistan, Brig M Akhtar Khan, Deputy DG Pakistan Rangers and Col Nadeem Afzal , Project deputy director, Kartarpur corridor.

In November 2018, both India and Pakistan approved the building of the corridor.