Kartarpur

and develop a corridor with suitable facilities in their territory, he said.

“Pakistan has already conveyed to India its decision to open Kartarpura Corridor for Baba Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary. PM Imran Khan will do break ground at Kartarpura facilities on 28th November. We welcome the Sikh community to Pakistan for this auspicious occasion (sic),” Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said in a tweet.

The issue of Kartarpur Sahib came into focus after Congress leader and Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu visited Pakistan in August to attend the oath-taking ceremony of his cricketerturned-politician friend Imran Khan as prime minister of that country.

After his return, Sidhu claimed that Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa had told him that Pakistan may open a corridor to Kartarpur Sahib.

Hailing the decision by the Union Cabinet, Sidhu tweeted, “I welcome this auspicious step by the Union Cabinet, it will be a cup of joy for 12 Crore ‘Nanak Naam Laivas.’ It will build bridges, burn animosity and will act like a soothing balm for two neighbouring countries.”

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh too welcomed the Centre’s decision. “The move will facilitate lakhs of pilgrims desirous of visiting the Kartarpur gurdwara,” Singh said in a statement.

The home minister said the Union Cabinet has also decided to develop the historic town of Sultanpur Lodhi as a heritage town.