LAHORE: The opposition parties that gathered for an Iftar dinner at Islamabad recently say that each one of them will protest (against price hike) separately; meaning thereby they are neither united nor could ever be, says Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, he claimed that due to these internal divisions in the opposition, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf was not taking its protest threats seriously. Formation of such alliances was also more of a routine in any democratic polity and that was why the PTI was not bothered about it, he added.

The PTI, he emphasised, would not only complete its term but would win the next polls as well.

The media was invited to share details of preparations for the 550th birth celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak.

Earlier, the governor, flanked by Sardar Giyan Gobind Singh and Bishan Singh, told the media that an unprecedented bus convoy – Journey to Kartarpur – would start from Toronto on September 15 and arrive in Pakistan in 40 days after travelling through nine European countries. The convoy would comprise Canadians of Pakistani origin and representatives of the Sikh community.

The purpose of this historic journey was to project a soft image of Pakistan, telling the world it was a peaceful and peace loving country, which yearned for peace not only in the region but the world as well and it respected its minorities, he said.

“Approximately 70 per cent of the project has been completed. Pakistan has already acquired 1,493 acres of land for the complex. We urge India to complete its part of the corridor to facilitate the pilgrims from its side,” Chaudhry said.

About the preparations of birthday celebrations, which falls in November, the governor said all security arrangements were being completed rapidly.

“I recently met Interior Minister Ijaz Shah for expediting security arrangements for the event and would call on the officials of the foreign ministry shortly to ensure required visas (including double entry) are issued quickly and smoothly,” Sarwar said.

“If Pakistan succeeds in promoting religious tourism, it could annually fetch $4 billion to $5bn easily. The Turks earn over $40 billion from this single source.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2019