In what can be said as a reciprocating gesture in response to ‘Kartarpur Corridor’ India is looking to launch train services for Pakistani Pilgrims. The central government has mooted the idea recently.
The train services would be for Pakistani pilgrims coming to Ajmer Sharif. Each year Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer Sharif. Earlier Pakistani pilgrims used to take part in the Urs. However, since the attack on CRPF convoy and revocation of article 370 last year, Pakistan stopped all train and bus services to India.
The idea of train service for pilgrims can also be a step towards the restoration of bilateral ties. Two train services are there between India and Pakistan. The Samjhauta Express connecting Lahore (Pakistan) with Delhi. The other being Thar Express connecting Khokhrapar (Pakistan) with Munabao in Barmer district of Rajasthan. Both the services are shut by Pakistan since last year.
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The new train service would ferry Pakistani pilgrims from Attari to Ajmer. The proposal is open to Pakistan which has still not responded. Thousands of Pakistani pilgrims visit Ajmer each year for the annual Urs. The nine-day long, 808th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti will begin from February 24th.
Inputs from ZEE News
