Dragging my comment towards "Sikh sentiments" is an attempt to mislead: Qureshi
Last updated on: 02 December,2018 11:30 pm
We have respect for Sikh sentiments and no amount of distortions or controversies would change it
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Sunday said that Pakistan decided to open the Kartarpur Corridor in view of longstanding desires of the Sikh community.
In a twitter message, he said that we have taken this historic initiative in good faith and will carry it forward in the same spirit.
The minister said dragging his comment towards Sikh sentiments is a deliberate attempt to misrepresent and mislead. He said what I said was strictly with reference to bilateral interaction with the Indian government.
Dragging my comment towards "Sikh sentiments" is a deliberate attempt to misrepresent & mislead. What I said was strictly with ref to bilat.interaction with the Indian Govt. We have deep respect for Sikh sentiments & no amount of distortions or controversies would change it. 1/2
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) December 2, 2018
Qureshi went on to say that we have deep respect for Sikh sentiments and no amount of distortions or controversies would change it.
In deference to the long-standing desires of our Sikh brethren, we decided to open the Kartarpur Corridor. We have taken this historic initiative in good faith and will carry it forward in good faith. 2/2
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) December 2, 2018
Earlier, the foreign minister had termed the remarks of Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat regarding turning Pakistan into a secular state as illogical.
Talking to media in Multan, the foreign minister rejected General Rawat’s statement, saying that the ideology of Pakistan cannot be changed at any cost. Opening of Kartarpur corridor may improve Pakistan and India relations, he added.
He said we took this initiative without any outside pressure to fulfill the desire of Sikh community so they can easily visit their holy places in Pakistan.
Responding to a question about formation of a new province in southern Punjab, the minister said the ruling party does not have two-third majority for constitutional amendment and they will seek opposition parties support for it.
He, however, said steps are being taken to create a balance between southern and other parts of the province and a separate development budget will be allocated for southern Punjab from next year.
On Friday, Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said that Pakistan has to develop as a secular state if it wants to enjoy good ties with India.
Responding to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s statement regarding peace and dialogue between the two countries, General Rawat said that its Pakistan’s turn to show practical action against terrorism.
While ignoring worst behavior with the Kashmiris and minorities in India, the army chief asked Pakistan to take steps for secularism.