Imran Khan inaugurates Kartarpur corridor to facilitate visa-free entry of Indian pilgrims

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday formally inaugurated the historic Kartarpur corridor to facilitate the visa-free entry of Indian Sikh pilgrims to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Khan inaugurated the corridor by removing a curtain that was lifted by hot air balloons in the presence of thousands of Sikhs from across the world including India. A huge 'kirpan' (dagger) was displayed at the inauguration site.

"I am happy we could do this for you," he told a gathering of over 12,000 devotees, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh and cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu.

"Believe me, I had no idea of the importance this place holds; I found out a year ago," he said.

Guru Nanak Dev spent last 18 years of his life at Kartarpur Sahib, which has now become the world's largest Sikh Gurdawara.

During his brief address, Khan raked up the Kashmir issue and said it has resulted 70 years of hatred between India and Pakistan.

"The resolution of the Kashmir issue will lead to greater prosperity and mutual development of India and Pakistan," Khan said.

"India must ensure justice to people of Kashmir," he said, referring to the abrogation of the Article 370 and communication blackout in the Valley.

He hoped that one day the relationship between the two neighbours will improve.

Citing the examples of Prophet Muhammad, Nelson Mandela and Sufi saints, Khan said a true leader always brings people together.

"I am always so happy to see the Sikh community who have come here. God lives in the hearts of all of us. All the messengers who have come and gone only ever brought two messages, that of peace and justice," he said.

Earlier, Khan visited different units of Gurdawara Darbar Sahib.

Prime Minister Khan welcomed the first batch of the Indian Sikh pilgrims who entered Pakistan through the corridor which links Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur.

Khan shook hand with former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh and exchanged pleasantries.

Speaking on the occasion, Sidhu told Khan, "You have won hearts."