Imran Khan’s speech at Kartarpur Corridor groundbreaking ceremony, a real diplomatic high for Pakistan
It was a historic speech by the Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan at the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor. The vision he has provided with could pave the way forward for India and Pakistan peace.
The speech by Pakistani PM was a real diplomatic high. PM Imran Khan said that the Pakistani government, opposition, army and all institutions are on the same page for improving relations with India ‘friendly neighborhood’, consensus that trade, people and people contacts, religious tourism etc., needed to be urgently enhanced for benefit of the people.
Here within are the important points from the speech:
PM stressed that the core dispute between both countries is Jammu & Kashmir which can only be resolved through dialogue. Stated that unless better sense prevailed in India we may have to wait for Sidhu to become PM.
PM Imran Khan calls for settlement of Kashmir dispute with India. “The only issue between us is Kashmir, all it needs is just two capable leaderships to resolve this issue. Just imagine the potential we have if our relationships get strong”, said PM
While speaking at the Kartarpur groundbreaking ceremony, the PM has also emphasized that visionary leadership and will are needed to overcome the extremely difficult Pakistan and India relations. He further added that both countries had to move beyond point scoring and pull their people out of poverty and disease.
He also stressed that it would be madness to think about a war between two nuclear powers.
The PM also talked about the criticism which Sidhu has faced in India for visiting Pakistan.
“I heard there was a lot of criticism of Sidhu when he went back after my oath-taking ceremony. I don’t know why was he criticised. He was just talking about peace & brotherhood. He can come and contest election here in Pakistan’s Punjab, he’ll win”, said Imran Khan.
#WATCH Pakistan PM Imran Khan: I don't know why was Sidhu criticised (in India). He was just talking about peace. He can come and contest election here in Pakistan, he'll win. I hope we don't have to wait for Sidhu to become Indian PM for everlasting friendship b/w our nations. pic.twitter.com/yPdWCJDYAr
— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018
Navjot Singh Sidhu at the event thanked his friend PM Imran Khan for doing what couldn’t be done in 71 years and expressed heartfelt gratitude and thankfulness of the entire Sikh community for Pakistan.
#WATCH: Navjot Singh Sidhu recites poetry in praise of Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the ground-breaking ceremony of #KartarpurCorridor in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/DJqXG8pa4j
— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018
Unfortunately, the reaction from Indian side was cold as always, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in a statement said, “For many years the Indian Government has been asking for this (#Kartarpur) corridor, only now Pakistan responded positively. It doesn’t mean the bilateral dialogue will start because of this, terror & talks can’t go together”
Here is how world reacts to the historic event on social media:
As 2 ministers present at Kartarpur talk amity, Ext Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj says no chance of a thaw with Pak. A Punjab minister present, but his boss Amarinder warns Pak General Indian Army is ready. Don’t blame Pakistanis if they think we act like headless chickens
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) November 28, 2018
What an inspiring speech by Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI at Kartarpur! He promises to take two steps towards peace for every step India takes.
— Pritish Nandy (@PritishNandy) November 28, 2018
When politicians fail to lead people to peace,then compelling circumstances&people force them to bow&bend.This is what is happening right now. Despite strong opp to peace talks,New Delhi has been forced to send its ministers to participate in Kartarpur ceremony. Power of Peace✌️ https://t.co/525x96IxN7
— Rauf Klasra (@KlasraRauf) November 28, 2018
Dear madam you said that govt of India will be represented by your two colleagues at Kartarpur sahib but today you said that two Indian ministers are going to Pakistan in their personal capacity anyhow we welcome two Indian ministers in their personal capacity https://t.co/eIZCbInX8w
— Hamid Mir (@HamidMirPAK) November 28, 2018
Thank you Gen. Qamar Bajwa and the Military establishment for allowing the opening of Kartarpur corridor. As a Pakistani I request similar gesture from your side for the remaining borders with China, Afghanistan, Iran and India so we can move, develop, progress and trade freely.
— Syed Ali Raza Abidi (@abidifactor) November 28, 2018
Congratulations Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan @ImranKhanPTI for today delivering really a speech of a truly world level statesman.#Kartarpur
— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) November 28, 2018
Opening of Kartarpur corridor is a good gesture for peace in subcontinent & a message of amity for Sikhs.But India is downplaying the event & response is not encouraging..Such initiatives must bring dividends,I am afraid not in this case..
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) November 27, 2018
When I told my son (in NY) about the Kartarpur corridor (he's clueless about what the Khan govt has done in the last three months and what the Govt agenda is), he said: This man [Imran Khan] is going to do great things.
And then he added: This is a historic event.
— Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) November 28, 2018
Watch my Exclusive: @HarsimratBadal_ first remarks on #KartarpurCorridor opening in Pakistan. "I am too emotional, " she tells me, "there are no words to describe what I feel. Guru Nanak's message is the best way to start a new peace initiative for our countries" #Kartarpur pic.twitter.com/GIo6EPjVGj
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) November 28, 2018
If terror & talks can't go together, how exactly were you lot asking the Pakistani government to open the Kartarpur corridor, sign language? https://t.co/9Ifbuy6aEM
— Ammar Rashid (@AmmarRashidT) November 28, 2018
Opening of Kartarpur border, a masterstroke by Imran Khan, his reputation as a leader only enhanced on world stage. Indian government & lobbyist unsure how to react to this, massive diplomatic win #kartarpur
— Osama. (@ashaqeens) November 28, 2018
A step in the right direction!#Kartarpur
Sanity must prevail and India must reciprocate with similar steps.#SikhCommunity welcome to Pakistan.— Emmad Hameed (@Emmad81) November 28, 2018
Totally bizarre the logic of BJP/RSS calling Navjot Singh Sidhu a traitor for going to Kartarpur Sahib while sending two Sikh central ministers for the ceremony. We could’ve presented a better face of our democracy to Pakistan
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) November 28, 2018
