Sidhu urges India to reciprocate on Pakistan move to open Kartarpur border

As Pakistan announces earlier Friday to open Kartarpur border with India, the move was promptly appreciated by the former Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, who remained under fire by extremist Indians lately. 

I have “no words to thank” Prime Minister Imran Khan, the former cricketer said, according to NDTV.

“They [Pakistan] are ready to open the corridor of Kartarpur Sahib on the 550 birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Ji. There can be no bigger happiness than this for the people of Punjab,” Sidhu shared.

The Indian politician also urged his government to reciprocate to Pakistan’s goodwill gesture.

“I plead to the Indian prime minister and the External Affairs Ministry that if they have made an effort, you should also make an effort,” he said.

This “is not the time for religion-based politics”, Sidhu stressed.

“This is the message from Pakistan to the whole world. Don’t think that anyone can oppose this noble gesture,” he added.

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry announced on Friday that Pakistan will soon open the Kartarpur border crossing with India for Sikh pilgrims in November.

In a statement, the minister said the Pakistani government desired to hold talks with India for peace, but the latter didn’t give positive response to Islamabad’s peace overture.

He said the military leadership backs the government’s desire to hold talks with India. Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa have realised that Pakistan can not make progress alone, he added.

Kartarpur is located in tehsil Shakargarh in Narowal district of Punjab. It is close to Pak-India border.

Kartarpur was said to be established by Guru Nanak Dev in 1522 AD, where historic Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib has been located, which is the first Sikh worship place ever built, and where Guru Nanak is said to have passed away.