Yatrees are welcome to Pakistan anytime, says President

Arif Alvi says Pakistan has sent message of peace by inaugurating Kartarpur Corridor

LAHORE: Sikh yatrees are welcome in Pakistan not only on the occasion of birthday celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak, but on any occasion for which yatrees decide to visit the country, said President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi.

He was speaking at a luncheon hosted by Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar in honour of over 2,000 Sikh yatrees from various countries, including India. The event started with celebration by Sikh yatrees who expressed their joy by performing ‘bhangra’ over arrangements made by Pakistan on the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak and opening of Kartarpur Corridor.

The president said that Pakistan has sent a message of peace to the international community by inaugurating the Kartarpur Corridor. He added that the country is advocating love and peace since war is not a solution to any issue. “All issues should be resolved through dialogue.”

Pakistan opens its border and its heart for Sikh community at Kartarpur

Speaking on the occasion, the governor said that all facilities, including foolproof security and accommodation, would be provided to Sikh yatrees on birthday celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak.

He added that Pakistan is a safe country for minorities and that the government is working for the restoration of religious places of not only the Sikh community but also other minorities, including Christians and Hindus.

The governor further said that Pakistan always stood by minorities but on the other side, life has become difficult for religious minorities in India. “The Indian Supreme Court’s decision in the Babri Masjid case is a result of RSS and Indian leaders’ pressure on its judiciary.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th, 2019.