Despite inaugurating the Kartarpur corridor on a noble note to allow Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Prime Minister Imran Khan has not been able to curb the religious fanaticism and barbarism that exists on his land in the so-called name of Islam.

In a video that has surfaced on social media, an Islamic cleric was seen stressing that Pakistan had been formed to not allow any Sikh to enter the country.

"Pakistan is formed from the word 'Pak' or pious in Islam. The dirty habits of Sikhs will not be allowed here," Islamist scholar Khadim Hussain Rizvi was heard in the video talking about facilities availed by Sikh pilgrims visiting the Kartarpur Gurdwara.

Khadim Rizvi is the founder of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, a religious-political organisation founded in 2015 known for its protests against any change to Pakistan's blasphemy law. Some of their protests have been on a large scale.

"Only Mecca and the Prophet are considered to be holy in our land. The Sikhs can visit Amritsar for pilgrimage if they want, but they should not come here," the cleric added.

Experts at a talk show on Canadian Tag TV emphasised that the video is another confirmation that PM Imran Khan had attempted to buy the Sikh sentiment to use it against the BJP-led government in India and also fuel the separatist movement of Khalistan.

The much-awaited Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, a 4.7-kilometre-long passage that connects Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in India's Gurdaspur and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur was formally opened for pilgrims on Saturday three days ahead of 550th anniversary of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev on November 12.

A state-of-the-art Passenger Terminal Building, a fully air-conditioned building akin to an airport has also been built to facilitate nearly 5000 pilgrims each day along with necessary public amenities like kiosks, washrooms, childcare, first aid medical facilities, prayer room and snacks counters inside the main building. Robust security infrastructure is put in place with CCTV surveillance and public address systems.

Despite inaugurating the Kartarpur corridor on a noble note to allow Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Prime Minister Imran Khan has not been able to curb the religious fanaticism and barbarism that exists on his land in the so-called name of Islam.

Despite inaugurating the Kartarpur corridor on a noble note to allow Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Prime Minister Imran Khan has not been able to curb the religious fanaticism and barbarism that exists on his land in the so-called name of Islam. In a video that has surfaced on social media, an Islamic cleric was seen stressing that Pakistan had been formed to not allow any Sikh to enter the country. "Pakistan is formed from the word 'Pak' or pious in Islam. The dirty habits of Sikhs will not be allowed here," Islamist scholar Khadim Hussain Rizvi was heard in the video talking about facilities availed by Sikh pilgrims visiting the Kartarpur Gurdwara. Khadim Rizvi is the founder of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, a religious-political organisation founded in 2015 known for its protests against any change to Pakistan's blasphemy law. Some of their protests have been on a large scale. "Only Mecca and the Prophet are considered to be holy in our land. The Sikhs can visit Amritsar for pilgrimage if they want, but they should not come here," the cleric added. Experts at a talk show on Canadian Tag TV emphasised that the video is another confirmation that PM Imran Khan had attempted to buy the Sikh sentiment to use it against the BJP-led government in India and also fuel the separatist movement of Khalistan. The much-awaited Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, a 4.7-kilometre-long passage that connects Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in India's Gurdaspur and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur was formally opened for pilgrims on Saturday three days ahead of 550th anniversary of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev on November 12. A state-of-the-art Passenger Terminal Building, a fully air-conditioned building akin to an airport has also been built to facilitate nearly 5000 pilgrims each day along with necessary public amenities like kiosks, washrooms, childcare, first aid medical facilities, prayer room and snacks counters inside the main building. Robust security infrastructure is put in place with CCTV surveillance and public address systems.

Pakistani cleric threatens Sikh pilgrims from visiting Kartarpur Gurdwara

Pakistan on Saturday detained scores of protesters in a continuing crackdown against followers of a hardline Islamic cleric who led three days of protests over blasphemy laws and whose arrest overnight triggered violent clashes with police.

Members of cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi's Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) party had shut down major cities in protest earlier this month at the acquittal of a Christian woman who had spent eight years on death row on blasphemy charges.

At least five people were wounded in last night's clashes between Rizvi's supporters and police in the eastern city of Lahore after police arrested the cleric on Friday night.

A spokesman for the Punjab chief minister's office said Rizvi's second-in-command, Afzal Qadri, had also been detained.

"Afzal Qadri and Khadim Rizvi have been sent to jail. Qadri has been admitted to the jail's hospital. A crackdown is underway across Punjab against TLP activists," Shahbaz Gill told Reuters.

Information Minister Fawwad Chaudhry said on Twitter that Rizvi had been placed in protective custody after he refused to withdraw a call for further protests on Sunday.

"It's to safeguard public life, property and order," he said.

Rizvi had urged his supporters to take to the streets if he was arrested. Late on Friday his son said he had been taken away in a raid on his religious school, or madrassa, in Lahore.

A police document seen by Reuters listed 10 other leaders of Rizvi's group who had also been detained.

TLP leaders had threatened the Supreme Court judges who acquitted Asia Bibi - urging their cooks and servants to kill them.

But the group called off protests following negotiations with the government and an agreement to open a review of the court's decision on Bibi.

It is unclear whether Rizvi will appear before a court to face charges. Pakistan has detained Islamist leaders in the past but failed to keep them in custody.

Bibi and her family are in hiding after her release. She was convicted in 2010 for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbours objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim. She has always denied committing blasphemy.

In 2011, a bodyguard assassinated Punjab provincial governor Salman Taseer after he began pushing for Bibi's acquittal. The TLP was founded out of a movement that supported the assassin, Mumtaz Qadri.

Pakistan on Saturday detained scores of protesters in a continuing crackdown against followers of a hardline Islamic cleric who led three days of protests over blasphemy laws and whose arrest overnight triggered violent clashes with police.

Pakistan on Saturday detained scores of protesters in a continuing crackdown against followers of a hardline Islamic cleric who led three days of protests over blasphemy laws and whose arrest overnight triggered violent clashes with police. Members of cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi's Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) party had shut down major cities in protest earlier this month at the acquittal of a Christian woman who had spent eight years on death row on blasphemy charges. At least five people were wounded in last night's clashes between Rizvi's supporters and police in the eastern city of Lahore after police arrested the cleric on Friday night. A spokesman for the Punjab chief minister's office said Rizvi's second-in-command, Afzal Qadri, had also been detained. "Afzal Qadri and Khadim Rizvi have been sent to jail. Qadri has been admitted to the jail's hospital. A crackdown is underway across Punjab against TLP activists," Shahbaz Gill told Reuters. Information Minister Fawwad Chaudhry said on Twitter that Rizvi had been placed in protective custody after he refused to withdraw a call for further protests on Sunday. "It's to safeguard public life, property and order," he said. Rizvi had urged his supporters to take to the streets if he was arrested. Late on Friday his son said he had been taken away in a raid on his religious school, or madrassa, in Lahore. A police document seen by Reuters listed 10 other leaders of Rizvi's group who had also been detained. TLP leaders had threatened the Supreme Court judges who acquitted Asia Bibi - urging their cooks and servants to kill them. But the group called off protests following negotiations with the government and an agreement to open a review of the court's decision on Bibi. It is unclear whether Rizvi will appear before a court to face charges. Pakistan has detained Islamist leaders in the past but failed to keep them in custody. Bibi and her family are in hiding after her release. She was convicted in 2010 for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbours objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim. She has always denied committing blasphemy. In 2011, a bodyguard assassinated Punjab provincial governor Salman Taseer after he began pushing for Bibi's acquittal. The TLP was founded out of a movement that supported the assassin, Mumtaz Qadri.

Pakistan: 5 injured in clashes following Tehreek-e-Labbaik cleric detention

A key Pakistani cleric with close ties to the Afghan Taliban who was killed in the garrison city of Rawalpindi was buried Saturday as Prime Minister Imran Khan called for an investigation into the murder.

Maulana Sami Ul-Haq dubbed the "Father of the Taliban", was stabbed to death by unknown intruders at his residence Friday night.

The cleric, who is in his 80s &nbsp;was buried in his hometown Akoda Khattak, around 115 kilometres (70 miles) northwest of Islamabad.

Thousands of people gathered for the funeral prayers guarded by dozens of police personnel while a bomb disposal squad cleared the graveyard before the cleric's body was brought for burial, an AFP reporter at the site said.

His seminary had produced some of the key leaders of the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban, something that the cleric and his associates would proudly tell visiting journalists.

The list of graduates written on the walls of the seminary includes the names of leaders of the Pakistani Taliban.

An investigation into the murder of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007 revealed that the assassins had stayed at his seminary before travelling to Rawalpindi where Bhutto was killed.

The Afghan Taliban issued a statement terming his death "a great loss for the entire Islamic Ummah" (nation).

"He rendered unforgettable services and assistance to the oppressed Afghan nation against the Soviet and American invasions," the statement said.

Afghan envoys in Pakistan had reached out to him seeking his help in starting negotiations with the Afghan Taliban.

But analysts doubted if he had any sway with them.

"He did not had any influence on the Afghan Taliban but he supported their cause," analyst Rahimullah Yusufzai told AFP.

"Many of the leaders and fighters of the Afghan Taliban had studied at his madrassa," he said.

Pakistani media termed his death a blow to the Afghan peace process but Yusufzai doubted it, saying his death would have no impact on the talks as he was never part of any negotiations.

Social media users in Afghanistan termed him a "troublemaker".

"The Taliban have lost their father, now they are orphan," Bilal Noori, an Afghan, posted on Facebook.

His death was widely condemned in Pakistan by politicians and religious leaders, with the prime minister calling for an investigation into the murder.

In 2014, the cleric was a member of the negotiating committee from the homegrown Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) -- who brokered a ceasefire with the government, although the talks later failed.

He twice held roles as a member of Pakistan's Senate.

His JUI-S party was an ally of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party headed by Prime Minister Khan.

A key Pakistani cleric with close ties to the Afghan Taliban who was killed in the garrison city of Rawalpindi was buried Saturday as Prime Minister Imran Khan called for an investigation into the murder.

A key Pakistani cleric with close ties to the Afghan Taliban who was killed in the garrison city of Rawalpindi was buried Saturday as Prime Minister Imran Khan called for an investigation into the murder. Maulana Sami Ul-Haq dubbed the "Father of the Taliban", was stabbed to death by unknown intruders at his residence Friday night. The cleric, who is in his 80s was buried in his hometown Akoda Khattak, around 115 kilometres (70 miles) northwest of Islamabad. Thousands of people gathered for the funeral prayers guarded by dozens of police personnel while a bomb disposal squad cleared the graveyard before the cleric's body was brought for burial, an AFP reporter at the site said. His seminary had produced some of the key leaders of the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban, something that the cleric and his associates would proudly tell visiting journalists. The list of graduates written on the walls of the seminary includes the names of leaders of the Pakistani Taliban. An investigation into the murder of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007 revealed that the assassins had stayed at his seminary before travelling to Rawalpindi where Bhutto was killed. The Afghan Taliban issued a statement terming his death "a great loss for the entire Islamic Ummah" (nation). "He rendered unforgettable services and assistance to the oppressed Afghan nation against the Soviet and American invasions," the statement said. Afghan envoys in Pakistan had reached out to him seeking his help in starting negotiations with the Afghan Taliban. But analysts doubted if he had any sway with them. "He did not had any influence on the Afghan Taliban but he supported their cause," analyst Rahimullah Yusufzai told AFP. "Many of the leaders and fighters of the Afghan Taliban had studied at his madrassa," he said. Pakistani media termed his death a blow to the Afghan peace process but Yusufzai doubted it, saying his death would have no impact on the talks as he was never part of any negotiations. Social media users in Afghanistan termed him a "troublemaker". "The Taliban have lost their father, now they are orphan," Bilal Noori, an Afghan, posted on Facebook. His death was widely condemned in Pakistan by politicians and religious leaders, with the prime minister calling for an investigation into the murder. In 2014, the cleric was a member of the negotiating committee from the homegrown Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) -- who brokered a ceasefire with the government, although the talks later failed. He twice held roles as a member of Pakistan's Senate. His JUI-S party was an ally of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party headed by Prime Minister Khan.

Pakistan buries 'Father of Taliban' as PM Imran Khan orders probe of killing

Maulana Mohammad Abdul Aziz, a Pakistani cleric who has been world famous for his controversial remarks, recently made headlines owing to his belief of imposing Sharia all across the globe.&nbsp;

The 57-year-old cleric recently told Fox News that Pakistan is no more a destination, &quot;we will come out as a force to establish Islamic rule over the entire world&quot;.

Aziz also noted that he desires the complete imposition of Sharia within Pakistan and is ready to &quot;wage a war against the government&quot; to ensure that the same is achieved.&nbsp;

Aziz was once the head cleric of Islamabad&#39;s oldest mosque, the Lal Masjid.

Aziz is infamous for his inflammatory sermons, anti-American ideology, for sparking global jihadist movements and supporting designated terrorist groups. He once described Osama bin Laden as an &quot;Islamist warrior&quot;.&nbsp;

Aziz was once the head cleric of Islamabad's oldest mosque, the Lal Masjid

Maulana Mohammad Abdul Aziz, a Pakistani cleric who has been world famous for his controversial remarks, recently made headlines owing to his belief of imposing Sharia all across the globe. The 57-year-old cleric recently told Fox News that Pakistan is no more a destination, "we will come out as a force to establish Islamic rule over the entire world". Aziz also noted that he desires the complete imposition of Sharia within Pakistan and is ready to "wage a war against the government" to ensure that the same is achieved. Aziz was once the head cleric of Islamabad's oldest mosque, the Lal Masjid. Aziz is infamous for his inflammatory sermons, anti-American ideology, for sparking global jihadist movements and supporting designated terrorist groups. He once described Osama bin Laden as an "Islamist warrior".

Infamous Pakistani cleric Abdul Aziz vows to impose Sharia across the globe