LAHORE – Former Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu-led delegation on Tuesday arrived in Pakistan to attend Kartarpur border corridor groundbreaking ceremony being held tomorrow (Nov 28) in Narowal.
Sidhu and other members of the delegation named Minister for Food Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister for Housing Hardeep S Puri reached Lahore via Wagah border.
Talking to media, the Indian politician, who was received by Pakistan authorities at the border, said that it is a moment of great happiness not only for him but for all the Sikh community. “I want to thank Pakistani prime minister and officials”.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/navjot-singh-sidhu-invited-to-kartarpur-groundbreaking-ceremony/
Sidhu said that the pledge made by Prime Minister Imran Khan three months ago is going to be accomplished, adding that hatred can be turned into love.
“Karturpur corridor will prove to be a route leading to peace,” he added.
“There are various artists and cricket players in Pakistan and India which everyone loves,” he said and called for holding cricket matches between two countries.
He said that a historic event is set to be taken place tomorrow.
The Pakistani government had invited Indian Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, Punjab Chief Minister Captain (retd) Amarinder Singh and former Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu to attend the event.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/pakistan-invites-indias-sushma-swaraj-amarinder-singh-to-attend-kartarpur-ceremony/
However, Sushma Swaraj on Saturday excused herself from attending the ceremony. She said that two ministers of the Indian government will attend the ceremony.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/india-sushma-swaraj-excuses-from-attending-kartarpur-border-corridor-ceremony/
India on Thursday gave the go-ahead to Pakistan’s proposal to build Kartarpur corridor to facilitate Sikh pilgrims wishing to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Narowal District.
The Gurdwara Kartarpur Darbar Sahib in Pakistan’s Narowal city holds religious significance for the Sikh community; It is the place where Baba Guru Nanak settled down after his travels as a missionary.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/sikh-community-welcomes-pakistans-decision-to-open-kartarpur-border/
The decision to open the Kartarpur border was made after Imran Khan assumed office in August; Navjot Singh Sidhu was invited for the swearing-in ceremony of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief.
During the ceremony, Navjot Sidhu had called for reopening the corridor, however, he faced flack back home for cordially meeting Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
Prime Minister Imran Khan would formally open the Kartarpur border on November 28th along with other government functionaries.
