GUJRAT: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) increased its staff at the immigration counters of the Kartarpur Corridor due to the influx of Sikh Yatrees (pilgrims) in connection with the 555th birthday celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak.

The birth celebrations which opened on Nov 14 will continue till 23rd at Kartarpur Corridor, Narowal.

FIA’s Gujranwala Zone Director Abdul Qadir Qamar told Dawn on Monday that at least 4,000 to 5,000 pilgrims are expected to arrive from the Indian side and to ensure quick immigration, the FIA and corridor administration have bolstered the staff strength at the immigration counters.

Currently, he said around 500 Sikh pilgrims arrive daily from India. The immigration at KPC operates in two shifts during the birth celebrations. The off-duty shift staff are on stand-by in Narowal to cope with any emergency requiring additional manpower. Meanwhile, FIA claimed to have off-loaded at least 22 passengers including two beggars from different flights at the Sialkot International Airport during the last one week.

A spokesman for FIA said at least 23 suspects, including 17 human traffickers, had also been arrested by the agency during that period whereas challan in 23 cases were submitted to the court and inquiries in 117 cases have been completed (in that time).

Published in Dawn, November 19th, 2024