It was decided earlier to build a Kartarpur corridor for Sikh pilgrims. Today, Imran Khan has layed the foundation stone for the corridor. A very warm gesture was shown by the Pakistani government as it wholeheartedly invited Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj for the Kartarpur corridor ceremony. Initially, there were rumors about the Indian government rejecting the invite but Sushma Swaraj cleared the misunderstanding.
Indian minister Sushma Swaraj thanked the Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi for the invitation before rejecting it and sending two other ministers in her place
We hope that the Government of Pakistan will expedite construction of the corridor in order to ensure that our citizens can pay their respects at the Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib using the corridor as soon as possible. /3
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 24, 2018
She also clarified the misinterpretation done by the Indian Media.
An invitation was sent to Navjot Sidhu too and he appreciated the steps taken by the countries towards the people-oriented foreign policy
Today marks a pilgrimage away from the hate and greed of politics, and towards a relationship built upon the dreams, aspirations and spiritual quest of the common people. Today marks the first steps towards a people's foreign policy. Sharing a light moment #KartarpurBorderOpening pic.twitter.com/YKo2aCKo37
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) November 28, 2018
He further explained that this corridor is going to lead towards a future of shared peace and prosperity for both the countries.
The ceremony to lay the foundation for Kartarpur Corridor was conducted today and lots of people are very happy about it
Sikh community all around the world are overjoyed to be able to visit one of the holiest sites in their religion, without any hassle. It is also being hailed as Pakistan extending their hand for peaceful relations between the two neighboring countries.
#Kartarpur Congratulations, Mubarikkkkkk to Sikh community in Pakistan, India & around the world. And a special welcome to our beloved Sidhu Pa Jee @sherryontopp pic.twitter.com/kIlwucNulc
— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) November 28, 2018
People were appreciating the steps by Pakistan and said that Imran Khan has given new meaning to ‘rising above barriers’
PM Imran Khan has given a new meaning to 'Rise above Barriers'.#KartarpurCorridor pic.twitter.com/QmAwqDSD3B
— Mariam's Madness (@mariamsmadness) November 28, 2018
🇵🇰 Pakistan
open #Kartarpur border.
Thank you #Pakistan
Thank you @ImranKhanPTI #KartarpurCorridor #KartarpurBorderOpening pic.twitter.com/COMhEObZ2k pic.twitter.com/4A3PIO0V9k— Simran Kaur 2020 (@S_Kaur_2020) November 22, 2018
It was even hailed as the best foreign policy move Pakistan has ever made
LOL okay, itna bhi nahi ab.
The best thing happened in the history of Pakistan❤#KartarpurCorridor #KartarpurBorderOpening pic.twitter.com/k6wnzkrU19
— Muniba… (@Muneebawajid1) November 28, 2018
The ceremony was seen as a gesture of peace and cooperation
The #kartarpurcorridor is one of the most beautiful gestures of peace and cooperation I have seen in a long time. God bless #nayaPakistan.
— Sara Taseer (@sarataseer) November 27, 2018
BUT, a statement contradictory to the peace was issued by Indian media
Sushma Swaraj not only blamed Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism but also said that even Kartarpur corridor project will not necessarily lead to the restoration of the talks, as Pakistan was continually harping about earlier today.
People were not really happy with the Indian statement
They have become particularly confused If India ‘really’ wants peace.
One day. Two nations. Two statements.
Isn't it quite evident, world, who is for peace ! #PakistanForPeace #KartarpurCorridor #SAARC pic.twitter.com/8TTxYXq8EU
— Gharidah Farooqi (@GFarooqi) November 28, 2018
They also said that since talks and terror can’t go hand in hand, India should stop sponsoring terrorism in Kashmir and Balochistan
I actually agree with @SushmaSwaraj that terror and talks can't go hand in hand. They can't keep doing in Kashmir and Balochistan what they are doing and talk at the same time. Still, Pakistan takes the high road! Pakistan wants peace! #Kartarpur #Narowal #SikhCommunity
— Ali Moeen Nawazish (@am_nawazish) November 28, 2018
People were pretty angry with the Indian attitude
Sushma and modi literally insulted us and we are opening borders even after that!
And then there was a day when modi came to wish Nawaz sharif on his birthday and hell broke loose…
I hope this madness ends and in my lifetime I witness open borders between #SAARC countries https://t.co/dY0ULwKJyw— m.waseem (@_mwaseem_) November 27, 2018
Invitation to Kartarpur ceremony was not just an invite to a ‘ceremony’ but it was a little step taken towards peace and it was a hope for many who wanted to see a peaceful south Asian region.
So what do you think? Has Indian reaction about SAARC ruined the Pakistani effort for peace or there is still some hope left? Let us know in the comments below.
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