ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Saturday expressed dismay at the “relentless negative propaganda campaign” being waged by a section of Indian media against Pakistan on the Kartarpur Corridor initiative.
“We categorically reaffirm that the initiative to open this Corridor has been taken by the government of Pakistan solely in deference to the longstanding wishes of our Sikh brethren, and especially in the wake of the forthcoming 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev ji. Attributing any other motives is purely malicious,” read the statement put out by the Foreign Office.
It said that Pakistan received overwhelmingly positive response from the Sikh community — not only in India and Pakistan but also from across the globe. The Government and people of Pakistan fully share their joy on this historic breakthrough and solemnly affirm that they will make every possible contribution to a befitting celebration of the auspicious occasion of Baba Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary in 2019.
“We are convinced that those seeking to sow negativity around this initiative for partisan purposes or due to their known anti-Pakistan proclivities will not succeed in their designs. The Government of Pakistan will continue do what is right for advancing this noble initiative.”
The Foreign Office said that it was pleased that distinguished guests from India, both from the Centre and from Punjab, were able to join Prime Minister Imran Khan during the ground-breaking ceremony at Kartarpur on 28 November 2018. The presence of thousands of Sikh yatrees visiting Pakistan from India and other parts of the world made the occasion even more poignant.
It said Pakistan would now proceed with the development of the physical infrastructure for the Corridor on its side of the International Border. “We also look forward to working out necessary details and modalities with the Indian side concerning the passage through the Corridor.”
The inauguration of the Corridor project on both sides has created another moment of hope for the peoples of India and Pakistan. “We hope every effort would be made to preserve and take forward the Kartarpur Spirit.”
