PM Imran inaugurates historic Kartarpur Corridor as Sikhs throng Guru Nanak Dev’s shrine

• "Today we are not only opening border but also our hearts for the Sikh community," PM said.
• Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also attended the ceremony.

The ceremony for the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devi Ji has began after Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan reached the shrine.

Addressing the gathering, the premier said that he welcomes and congratulates the Sikh community on the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak. "Imagine if us Muslims could see Medina and not be able to visit it. Imagine how we would feel. This is why it makes me so happy that the Sikh community will be able to visit this Gurdwara which holds so much importance for them," the PM further said.

The PM also paid tribute to the government team for completing the Kartarpur project in a matter of months. "I salute you all. I had no idea you were so efficient. That means we can do so much more," he said.

He further said that Navjot Singh Sidhu asked him to open the border, adding that the first thing after assuming office he to Indian PM Narendra Modi about alleviating poverty and working together. "I told him let’s solve the Kashmir issue by talking and resolving like neighbors. But unfortunately we have a huge human rights issue at hand; 8 million people are under lock down," he added.

Prime Minister IMRAN KHAN Inaugurates Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur Corridor #Narowal #Pakistan#APPNews

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Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also addressed the ceremony and said that today the doors of Kartarpur have been opened for the community and gave the credit for the project coming to fruition to the PM. He added that if the Berlin Wall can be demolished, if the Kartarpur Corridor can be opened, then the temporary boundary of the Line of Control can also be ended.

"Across the border PM Narendra Modi appreciated PM Imran Khan; as the Foreign Minister of Pakistan I want to ask that will you give PM Imran Khan an opportunity to thank you by lifting the curfew in Kashmir?" the foreign minister said.

Among the popular personalities from India, former Indian PM Manmohan Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, Navjot Singh Sidhu and Bollywood actor-turned-politician Sunny Deol came to Pakistan to attend the ceremony. The first group of Sikh Yatrees arrived at Zero Point at the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday morning, where immigration process was carried out in a smooth manner.

Days before the opening of the corridor, the PM waived off some conditions on the agreement signed between Pakistan and India. The premier announced that pilgrims from India will no longer need a passport to cross over into Pakistan as long as they have a valid identity.

He also waived off the condition for pilgrims to register 10 days before their arrival at the Kartarpur shrine. He also said that no fee would be charged on inauguration and on Guruji's 550th birthday.

The shrine to the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, lies in Kartarpur, a small town beside the River Ravi in central Punjab province where he is believed to have died. The project is entirely funded and executed by Pakistan as a gift for Sikh community.