"Pakistan, after consultations, has decided to invite former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh to attend the inauguration ceremony of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, who has religious belief and also represents the Sikh community," said Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in a video message on Monday.
He said that inauguration function is going to be a major programme and Pakistan is very pleased to inaugurate the corridor on the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak. He said that Pakistan is making full preparations for the event and Prime Minister Imran Khan is taking personal interest in the corridor.
"Therefore, on behalf of the government of Pakistan and as foreign minister of Pakistan, I am extending an invitation to former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh to attend the inauguration ceremony," he said, adding that a formal invitation will also be extended in writing to the former Indian premier.
"God willing, we are also looking forward to all Sikh Yatrees to visit Pakistan and take part in the ceremonies of the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak," Qureshi further stated.
The government of Pakistan, according to sources, has decided to inaugurate the Kartarpur Corridor on November 9 for the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak to be celebrated on November 12, 2019.
In the previous meeting between the high officials of Pakistan and India, it was agreed that in line with Prime Minister Khan's commitment and Pakistan's unprecedented gesture of opening the Pakistan-India border for the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, Pakistan will permit 5,000 Indian pilgrims daily, with the provision for additional numbers on special occasions, subject to capacity.
It was further agreed that Pakistan will allow visa free access to pilgrims of all faiths, seven days a week, throughout the year. The pilgrims may travel individually or in groups and by bus or foot, as per their convenience, it was also agreed.