India may try to sabotage Kartarpur initiative: Sarwar

Punjab governor PM to inaugurate Kartarpur in 2nd week of November

LAHORE: Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhamad Sarwar on Saturday said Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate Kartarpur Corridor in November on 550th birth anniversary of Sikh religion’s founder Baba Guru Nanak Devji but warned that India might try to sabotage this initiative.

“All arrangements have been made regarding the inauguration of Kartarpur Corridor and Baba Guru Nanak’s 550th birthday celebrations.  Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the Kartarpur Corridor Project in the second week of November.

“India may attempt to sabotage the formal inauguration of Kartarpur Corridor but Pakistan will take all possible measures to foil its evil plans and conspiracies,” Sarwar said while addressing the First International Sikh Convention held at the Punjab Governor House on Saturday.

The event was largely attended by Sikh pilgrims from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Europe. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri, special assistants to prime minister, Naeemul Haq and Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, and provincial ministers also attended the event.

Sarwar said 80% work on Kartarpur Corridor has been completed. “The government has made a principled decision not to use agricultural land of Baba Guru Nanak Devji for any commercial activity.”

He told the audience that Baba Guru Nanak Railway Corridor from Nankana Sahab to Kartarpur is also near to completion. Gurduwara Sucha Suda Road is also being completed and the framework of Lahore Safe City Authority is to be stretched to Nankana Sahab

“Sikh brothers will be provided foolproof security and other facilities,” he added.

Talking with reference to Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK), the governor said the countdown has begun for India and no power in the world can stop Kashmiris from getting freedom.

“The situation is tense between the two nuclear armed neighbours. However, both the countries can still resolve issues through dialogues. But unfortunately India is showing rigidity,” he said.

Sarwar said Islam and Guru Nanak’s preaching are about equality and love for humanity, while in India not only Muslims but also other minorities are facing atrocities at the hands of Narendra Modi led government.

“We stand united for Kashmiri people today. In India even the opposition parties are protesting against atrocities in Kashmir. Kashmiris are being subjected to barbaric atrocities and we should rise above religious differences to help the victims,” he said.

He said PM Imran Khan has always taken measures for welfare of Sikhs and other minorities.

“Imran Khan has expressed love for Sikhs residing all over the world through his Kartarpur Project. He has instructed to remove all hurdles in the inauguration of the project,” he said.

Special Assistant to PM Firdous Ashiq Awan said in Kashmir Indian barbarianism and killings are on the rise. The cruel face of Modi is exposed before the entire world.

“Sikh community should present the peace-loving face of Pakistan to the whole world. Every inch of Pakistan welcomes Sikh brothers. Kartarpur Corridor Project is a historic project,” she added.

She said the government has to eradicate the extremist elements and Imran Khan has emerged as an advocate of minorities, protection of rights of minorities is top priority of his government.