'I am thankful to PM Imran Khan for Kartarpur border decision': Sidhu

ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI: Expressing his contentment over new ‘peace overtures’ between India and Pakistan, former Indian cricketer and minister Punjab Cabinet, Navjot Singh Sidhu, has said the announcement of Kartarpur border opening is like ‘getting everything in one go’, ARY News reported.

Speaking exclusively to ARY News, Sidhu expressed his heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Imran Khan for taking the ‘unprecedented initiative’, saying it has won the hearts of millions of people on both sides of the border.

He added: “My biggest wish has now come true.”

“I have been invited to attend the opening ceremony of the Kartarpur border, and I will definitely visit Pakistan for the occasion,” he stated.

“The bloodshed between the two neighbouring countries should end and they should live together with peace and harmony.”

He underlined that love and affection keep the people intact, “hence we need to spread this message all over the world.”

To a question, he said opening of Kartarpur border was just a start, adding it would lead to more positive developments in future.

Prime Minister Imran Khan will perform the groundbreaking for the facilities at the border crossing on November 28.

Mr Sidhu told an Indian media outlet that he has happily accepted the invitation sent by PM Khan for the ceremony. He said Imran Khan was his friend and he would visit Pakistan whenever he is invited by him.

“I don’t have words to express my joy,” Mr Sidhu was quoted as saying.

Earlier, Mr Sidhu in a tweet had thanked the government of Pakistan and Prime Minister Imran Khan for the decision to open Kartarpur Corridor.

Najot Singh said the coming generations will remember those who have taken these positive steps and their names will be written in golden letters in history.

Earlier this week, India endorsed Pakistan’s proposition to open Kartarpur border crossing to facilitate Sikh pilgrims from India to visit the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, situated barely three kilometers from the Gurdaspur border with India.

Pakistan welcomed the Indian move and conveyed its decision to open the Kartarpur corridor.