Imran Khan formally inaugurates Kartarpur Corridor, praises Pakistan Army
Imran Khan inaugurated the corridor by removing a curtain that was lifted by hot air balloons.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday formally inaugurated the historic Kartarpur corridor ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev.
Imran Khan inaugurated the corridor by removing a curtain that was lifted by hot air balloons. A huge kirpan (dagger) was displayed at the inauguration site.
"I was not aware of the importance of the Kartarpur till a year ago," Imran Khan told a gathering of over 12,000 devotees, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh and cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu.
CORRIDOR OPENING TESTIMONY TO PAK'S COMMITMENT TO REGIONAL PEACE: PM IMRAN KHAN
The historic opening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is a testimony to Pakistan's commitment to regional peace, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Saturday as he congratulated the Sikh community on the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism.
In his message on the occasion of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor's opening, Imran Khan said, "We believe that the road to prosperity of region and bright future of our coming generation lies in peace."
"Today we are not only opening the border, but also our hearts for the Sikh community," Imran Khan said.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said the unprecedented gesture of goodwill from his government was a reflection of its deep respect for Baba Guru Nanak Dev and religious sentiments of the Sikh community.
IMRAN KHAN CREDITS PAK ARMY FOR COMPLETING CORRIDOR IN 10 MONTHS
The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor linking Dera Baba Sahib in Gurdaspur in India and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan was thrown open on Saturday, in a historic people-to-people initiative, sparking a glimmer of hope for improvement in the strained ties between India and Pakistan.
"This is the Medina of the Sikh community. I didn't have any idea what place Kartarpur held in the hearts until a year ago. A leader always brings people together. He doesn't spread hatred, and gather votes," citing Nelson Mandela, Imran Khan said.
Imran Khan said, "I asked Modi why can't we resolve this issue. What is happening in Kashmir is beyond territorial issue, it's about human rights. Eighty lakh people are trapped by Army. This is about human rights. They are being treated like animals. Peace won't prevail like this. Because of this all our relations have soured. If PM Modi is listening to me, then I'd say that peace prevails through justice. Give justice to the people of Kashmir."
MODI FLAGGED OFF THE FIRST BATCH OF PILGRIMS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first batch of pilgrims led by Akal Takhat Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib through the corridor, which was thrown open days ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev on November 12.
The first batch of pilgrims included Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhbir Singh Badal and Navjot Singh Sidhu.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee members and all the 117 MLAs and MPs from Punjab were also part of the 'jatha' (delegation).
(With inputs from PTI and Poulami Saha)