Pakistan & India reopened the Kartarpur corridor after almost 1.5 years due to Covid. It reopened on 17th November, just in time for Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary celebrations. As thousands of Indian Sikh pilgrims and devotees gathered to visit the Holy Shrine, Pakistan welcomed each one of them with open arms and a big smile!
The Kartarpur corridor is visa-free and 4 km long crossing, connecting the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan to the Indian border. Guru Nanak is the founder of Sikhism and the Sikh community believes he founded Kartarpur and spent his last days there before he passed away in 1539. Hence, it is one of the holiest sites for the Sikh community.
Inauguration
The decision to first open the corridor back in 2019 ahead of Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary won the Sikh community’s hearts, not just in India but all over the world. Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated the ceremony and stated, “I congratulate the Sikh community on the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak and welcome you all.” Former cricketer turned politician and Imran Khan’s dear friend, Navjot Singh Sidhu was also present at the joyous occasion. He was all praises for the premier and stated, “No benefit or loss was weighed. No deals were considered. My faithful friend did this for the love of God.”
Inter-faith Harmony
Pakistanis have been wanting to show a positive picture of themselves to the world because we have had our fair share of negative publicity in the media, especially with regards to our minorities. However, the Kartarpur corridor is the first step towards showing a face of Pakistan that is tolerant and more accepting of the needs of our minorities. It is the utmost example of inter-faith harmony, and also the reason why it is being celebrated and appreciated on a large scale.
#KartarpurSpirit Trends On Twitter
#KartarpurSpirit has been trending on Twitter since the reopening of Kartarpur and we have collected some wholesome tweets to share with you all today! Catch them below.
“I am Hassan Sajid and I appreciate the #KartarpurSpirit by Government of Pakistan as the peace, love & religious harmony is not only the teaching of Islam but Baba Guru Nanak also taught lesson of peace. It gives the message to peace & religious harmony to the world.”
The Kartarpur corridor is not just a good opportunity to promote inter-faith harmony but also a good way to boost our economy.
“The tourist industry will be boosted and new doors for economic development will be open to promote trade between the two countries.”
“As a Muslim I am commanded to respect all religions. In the same way, as a Pakistani, when today is the 552nd birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the spiritual leader of the Sikhs is replaced on Pak & also honor for me that Baba Guru Nanak is buried on my land.”
“With the reopening of #Kartarpur corridor, a delegation of Punjab Cabinet led by CM Charanjit Singh Channi paid obeisance at Gurdwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal, #Pakistan on the occasion of Prakash Purb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev today: CMO.”
“#KartarpurSpirit However, now their wait is over. For some it will be a life-long cherished dream, about to materialise, as they set foot in their holiest site.”
“Pakistan has taken a very meaningful and momentous step by opening the Kartarpur corridor as this will have a positive impact on the relations between Pakistan and India and the peace and stability of the entire region.”
“Pakistan has become the safest country in the world for the minorities and opening of Kartarpur Corridor for Sikhs in Pakistan is the biggest example for it.”
“Sikh community living across the world lauds PM Imran Khan for his initiative of opening Kartarpur Corridor, paving way for Indian pilgrims to visit the BabaGuruNanak Gurdwara.”
Sikh community all over the world is lauding the Pakistani government for this initiative. And since this is a government initiative, we are hoping it will be more long-lasting. We also hope that the world now sees the image of Pakistan that it is trying to portray; tolerant and safe for minorities.
Hopefully, the Kartarpur Spirit is the harbinger of many more interfaith initiatives to grace our community.
Pakistan Yatra – A Sikh Indian Lady’s Story from Across the Border
Sources used in this article include Al Jazeerah, Gulf News & Dawn.
