Pakistan has proposed the construction of a bridge across the Ravi river connecting two Sikh Gurudwaras on opposite sides of the border with India.
Pakistan has presented the proposal to India to build the bridge on the Ravi river in Punjab that will connect the two Gurudwaras located in Narowal (Pakistan) and Batala (India), sources said.
Pakistani federal minister Ahsan Iqbal approached Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and floated the idea to promote bilateral peace and harmony and also to boost trade and commerce in Narowal district, the News International reported citing the sources.
An official said if the proposal is approved by India then Sikh pilgrims would find it easier to move between Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Narowal and Dera Baba Nanak Dev Jee in Batala via a shorter and less tiring route.
The Gurudwara Kartarpur was established by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, in 1522. It is believed to be the first Gurudwara ever built and where Guru Nanak is said to have died.
The Gurudwara is located next to a small village named Kothay Pind on the west bank of the Ravi river.
Sikh devotees in Punjab in India often gather near the fence bordering Narowal district and offer prayers while looking at Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib across the border.
