Kartarpur Corridor will be inaugurated this year: Qureshi

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday said Kartarpur Corridor will be inaugurated in current year on the birthday of Baba Guru Nanak, ARY News reported.

“Opening of Kartarpur Corridor will not only help improving relations with India but also provide the Sikh community an opportunity of spiritual tourism”, Qureshi said while addressing a tourism conference in the federal capital today.

Qureshi said a number of steps have already been taken to promote tourist potential of the country. He said tangible outcomes have been seen in various areas.

The minister said Pakistan’s visa policy has been thoroughly revamped. Visa fee has been rationalized to make it enticing from tourists around the world. He said online visa facility has been provided to citizens of 175.

He relayed that all roads leading to international borders will also be opened for foreigners. Pakistani missions abroad will issue multiple visas of five year duration.

The FM further said the new aviation policy will promote tourism to northern areas.

He said promotion of tourism is part of foreign policy. Foreign Office is making concerted efforts to remove foreign advisories. As a result, Portugal has removed the travel advisory for Pakistan while Canada has softened it.

He said in order to promote tourism successfully; federal, provincial and local governments along with hospitality, service, and transport sectors all have to work in tandem.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said National Tourism Coordination Board has been set up bringing together various stakeholders for promotion of tourism and art in the country.