International Sikh Convention held: Kartarpur Corridor to open in November: Sarwar

Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken the initiative of Kartarpur Corridor Project, to facilitate the Sikh community to visit Gurdawara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur and Pakistan is committed to open Kartarpur Corridor in November 2019. Governor Punjab Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar said this while addressing the 1st "International Sikh Convention" here at Governor's House on Saturday. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Pir Noorul Haq Qadri, Special Assistant to PM on Political Affairs Naeemul Huq, PM Special Assistant on Information & Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, provincial ministers and UK, USA, Canada and European based Sikh pilgrims participated in the moot.
The Governor Sarwar maintained that India might attempt a mischief to sabotage the formal inauguration of Kartarpur Corridor but we will foil every plan and conspiracy, Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the project. He announced that 80% work on the Corridor has been completed; the agricultural land of Baba Guru Nanak will not be used in any commercial activity. He disclosed that Baba Guru Nanak Railway Corridor from Nankana Saab to Kartarpur is also near to completion; Gurdawara Sacha Sauda Road is also being completed and the framework of Lahore Safe City Authority is to be stretched to Nankana Sahib and Sikh brothers will be provided foolproof security and other facilities.
"Even today, if India shows seriousness, both countries can resolve issues through dialogues," the Governor said, adding: "Islam and Baba Guru Nanak both preach equality and love in humanity, in India not only Muslims but also Sikhs and other minorities are facing atrocities of Modi."
The Governor said that PM Imran Khan always took measures for welfare of Sikhs and other minorities. He added that under the leadership of Imran khan all the minorities in Pakistan are getting all the facilities and rights as per vision of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Sikhs and other minorities' kids are as dear to us as our own kids.
The Governor said they are standing united for Kashmiri people, today in India, even opposition parties are mentioning the atrocities in Kashmir, where Kashmiris are facing atrocities. "We should rise above the religion to help the Kashmiri victims," he said.
Federal Minister Noorul Haq Qadri said on the occasion that the government will provide necessary facilities to the minorities at their sacred and worship places. He said the message of Baba Guru Nanak was the message of humanity, peace and love; which needs to be promoted in the world. The Sikh community looks towards Pakistan because of Nankana Saab and Kartarpur Darbar. He said whatever the circumstances are Pakistan's narrative on Kashmir is one and which will not be changed.
Addressing the convention, Special Assistant to PM on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision of opening Kartarpur Corridor is a great initiative of promoting interfaith harmony. She said Pakistan is committed to ensure the provision of all basic rights to the minorities as per the teachings and principles of Islam. She emphasized the need for defeating the extremist mindset in the society. She said the oppressed people of Occupied Kashmir consider the Sikh community as their strength. She expressed the hope that every follower of Baba Guru Nanak will become voice of innocent people of Occupied Kashmir.
Addressing the Convention, Special Assistant to the PM on Political Affairs, Naeemul Haq said that government is considering a proposal to issue multiple-entry visa to the Sikh Pilgrims. He invited the members of the Sikh community living abroad to invest in Pakistan. "I assure all Sikh pilgrims that they should consider Pakistan their home and we are always standing with you," he said. He said that because of Kartarpur Corridor Project, thousands of Sikhs pilgrims from India will get chance to visit their sacred religious places on daily basis.