اردو
  • Pakistan inaugurates Kartarpur Corridor for Indian Sikh pilgrims

    Prime Minister Imran Khan File Photo Prime Minister Imran Khan

    The Government of Pakistan has fulfilled a long-awaited demand of the Sikh community and Prime Minister Imran Khan is going to inaugurate today the extended Gurdwara Darbar Sahib and the Kartarpur Corridor.

    Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, situated in Kartarpur, is the second holiest place for the Sikh community. This is 120 km away from Lahore and situated in a small village of Kotheypind at the bank of River Ravi — at a distance of only 4 km from Pakistan-India border.

    This village is included in Shakargarh tehsil of Narowal district and the beautiful white Gurdwara looks elegantly placed between the grasslands.

    It has been said in the agreement reached between Pakistan and India that daily five thousand Sikh yatris (pilgrims) will be allowed to visit the Gurdwara through the Corridor.

    To facilitate the Sikh yatris, the government has installed 130 counters, where their passports will be confirmed or scanned, and permit will be verified.

    Pilgrims will be charged $20 each under service charges. However, they will be exempted from paying the charges on the day of the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.

    After their immigration process is completed, the pilgrims will reach the Gurdwara by bus through the 4km-long Corridor.

     

    PM Imran addresses Kartarpur Corridor inauguration ceremony

    Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Karatarpur Corridor, Prime Minister Imran Khan said, “Want to congratulate those worked on the temple.”

    “I did not know my government was so efficient. Want to congratulate them again for completing the complex in record time,” he added.

    Speaking about Sidhu’s speech, the prime minister said Sidhu spoke from the heart today.

    'Doors of Kartarpur Sahab are open for the Sikh community'

    Addressing the inauguration ceremony Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said today was a historic moment.

    “Imran Khan has created history with Kartarpur Corridor,” Qureshi said. “Kartarpur has been opened for Sikhs from all over world.”

    He congratulated the Sikh all over the world on opening of the Kartipur Corridor and welcomed the Sikh pilgrims present at their holy site.

    Qureshi said, “The doors of Kartarpur Sahab are open for the Sikh community.” He added that the message of Guru Nanak was of peace.

    The foreign minister said we need to see today who was sowing the seed of hate in the region. He congratulated Prime Minister Imran Khan on the opening of the historic corridor.

    The foreign minister reminded the people that November 9 was also the day when the Berlin Wall fell which changed the map of Europe.

    Qureshi said, “If the Kartarpur corridor can open then LoCs temporary closure can also end.” He added that just how the doors of Kartarpur have opened the doors of Srinagar’s Jama Mosque should also open so Muslims can pray the Friday prayers.

    PM Imran arrives for Kartarpur Corridor inauguration

    Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in Kartarpur for the inauguration ceremony of the corridor.

    PM Imran Khan arrives for inauguration ceremony

    The premier arrived from Islamabad via Sialkot and was accompanied by Special Assistant on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan, Senator Javed Khan, Special Assistant to the PM for Overseas Pakistanis Zulfi Bukhari and other officials.

    Navjot Singh Sidhu arrives for inauguration

    Indian cricketer turned politician Navjot Singh Sidhu arrived for the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday.

    Earlier, Indian authorities had barred Sidhu from entering Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border.

    Manmohan Singh arrives for Kartarpur inauguration

    Former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh arrived in Pakistan via Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday.

    "Today is a historic moment for the Sikh community," Singh said on arrival. "Opening of the corridor will help improve relations between Pakistan and India."

    Indian Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh also arrived via Kartarpur Corridor in Pakistan for the inauguration.

    Members of the Sikh community continue to arrive from all over the world for the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor.

     

    The Sikh community is most welcome to visit their holiest place Gurdwara in Kartarpur today. All necessary arrangements have been completed in this context.

    Sidhu stopped from entering Pakistan through Wagah

    Indian authorities on Saturday barred cricketer turned politician Navjot Singh Sidhu from entering Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border, sources said.

    According to sources, despite having a five-day visa the Indian authorities at Attari stopped the cricketer from entering Pakistan.

    Sources added Sidhu will now enter Pakistan from Kartarpur.