Opening of Kartarpur corridor is a step forward towards peace: Fawad

LAHORE (92 News) – Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday said that Pakistan has taken a step forward towards peace with the opening of Kartarpur corridor. In his statement issued on Tuesday, he said that with the opening of Kartarpur corridor, Pakistan has given a new direction to the history. He added that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision is historic. The information minister said that the peace is necessary to eradicate poverty, adding that the world has also witnessed Pakistan’s role was not only positive but also leading. “Some elements in India incite hatred for electoral politics.” Pakistan has sent a positive message by standing up for the peace,” he said. Preparations to open Kartarpur border crossing have been completed as renowned cricketer and minister of Indian Punjab Navjot Singh Sidhu and other guests from neighboring country have started reaching Pakistan. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan will perform the ground- breaking of the four kilometers long Kartarpur Corridor tomorrow (on Wednesday). The corridor will connect Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur area of Narowal district with Dera Baba Nanak in India’s Gurdaspur District. Pakistan will build the corridor from the Indian border to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur while the other part from Dera Baba Nanak in Indian Punjab’s Gurdaspur district upto the border will be constructed by India. It will facilitate the Sikh pilgrims visiting their most sacred sites in Pakistan. An Indian delegation, including its Minister for Food Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister for Housing Hardeep S. Puri, Indian Punjab Minister for Local Government and Tourism and former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu and Indian journalists, will attend the ceremony. The initiative for opening the corridor was taken by Pakistan which was later endorsed by the Indian side. The initiative has widely been lauded both in Pakistan and India as a step towards building bridges between the two countries. Earlier today, an Indian delegation led by former cricketer Navjot Singh reached Lahore to participate in groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor on Tuesday. Upon his arrival at the Wagah Border, he was welcomed by the Rangers officials. Talking to the media, Navjot Singh said that their 71-year hope is about to be fulfilled. “I have no happiness more than this event. I have come to remind my past.” The former cricketer said that religion should not be watched through the goggles of the politics. “The Kartarpur corridor will prove a passage to peace. Prosperity can prevail in the region in six months by opening the peace corridor,” he said. He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had sowed a seed three months ago that has now become a plant. “120 million Sikhs have gained happiness through the Kartarpur corridor. The promise made three months ago is being fulfilled now,” he maintained. He thanked Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Indian government. Navjot Singh said that he forgave those criticizing him. “I have been a fan of Imran Khan since my childhood. Can anyone stop me?” he said. He said that there are several renowned artistes and players in both countries who are loved by all. The former cricketer also urged the need to start cricket matches between both countries.