As Kartarpur inauguration nears, PM Imran announces special waivers for Sikh guests
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Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday announced that Sikh pilgrims who arrive from India to visit Kartarpur will no longer need a passport to cross over into Pakistan as long as they have a valid identity.
In a tweet on Friday morning, the premier also announced that he had directed that the condition for pilgrims to register 10 days before their arrival to the Kartarpur shrine also be waived.
The prime minister further announced that the pilgrims who arrive on the day of the Kartarpur corridor's opening and on Baba Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary will not be charged any fee to visit.
After tough negotiations between Islamabad and New Delhi, Pakistan and India had finally signed an agreement last month paving the way for the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor this month ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev.
The four-kilometre-long corridor, which will be inaugurated on November 9, will provide pilgrims a visa-free link between Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur and the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Indian Punjab. Up to 5,000 Indian Sikhs have been allowed access daily, with plans to eventually double the capacity.
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Comments (122) Closed
Nov 01, 2019 10:41am
Great Gesture!
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Nov 01, 2019 10:47am
Very good sign for PEACE?YES.
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Nov 01, 2019 10:47am
This is how a leader leads. Making solid gestures of compassion and humanity, rather than hugging other leaders like a toddler and babbling on about a "56 inch chest". Good work PMIK, Pakistan is proud of you.
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Nov 01, 2019 10:48am
Thank you Pakistan. Thank you so much. Really appreciate.
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Nov 01, 2019 10:51am
Awesome! Good gesture by the Pak govt. Hope this develops trust.
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Nov 01, 2019 10:54am
Anyways can be good start for peace for brothers turned foes.
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Nov 01, 2019 10:59am
Sikhs are peace-loving, intelligent and generous people who believe in living in harmony with other communities. Hopefully this corridor will bring about a positive change in Pak-India relations.
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Nov 01, 2019 11:01am
It would appear to be permitting an invasion without any passports by the Yatris. No checks could be implemented in the system. But since this government is hell bent upon appeasing the Sikhs, who could object?
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Nov 01, 2019 11:03am
every body need peace, but
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Nov 01, 2019 11:04am
He had no other options. Turnout was low after 20 dollar fee even on inaugaration day.
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Nov 01, 2019 11:05am
If Pakistan is ever going to be safe for minorities, give them equal rights in the constitution, in law with no discrimination under any pretext. At the time of independence the Pakistan's minority population was nearly 23 percent, it has dropped down to a minuscule percentage now. Pakistan should visualize long term, not for a few occasions for political purposes.
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Nov 01, 2019 11:14am
Jio Imran Khan - appreciate gesture; good begets good; hopefully this will usher new era and Guru Nanak's teachings will bring the change.
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Nov 01, 2019 11:20am
Great move by PM IK.
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Nov 01, 2019 11:22am
Good step forward. But much more need to be done to undo the vitiated atmosphere.
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Nov 01, 2019 11:24am
Great jesture & with an entry fee of 20$ per visitor perfect icing on the cake.
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Nov 01, 2019 11:37am
Many thanks to my Pakistani brothers. I hope to visit Kartarpur soon. Hopefully this great initiative by Mr Imran Khan will lay foundation of everlasting peace. My only fear is that RSS will do something to sabotage it. Hopefully my suspicions will turn out to be just suspicions. Anyway thanks again and hope to see you guys soon.
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Nov 01, 2019 11:37am
Thanks Mr Imran Khan Sir, you are Hero of whole nation and I am sure when our sikh brother will come from India and from around the world they will loud and shout Mr Imran Khan Sir Zindabad
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Nov 01, 2019 11:40am
@reality, Does Indian constitution allow equal rights to the minorities or it is overlooked? Many innocent minorities have been killed during Modi's rule in Gujrat when he was CM and many Muslims have been killed in the name of Gau Mata and nobody has been convicted.
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Nov 01, 2019 11:41am
@HashBrown®, this is not an festive offer, Imran thinks he is supreme leader ,
What is point having free for a day??
The condition of passport mandatory and USD 20 fees, what is free is this??
Is really visa free?? Imran n his govt thinks they can fool people, they can never ever.
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Nov 01, 2019 11:55am
Someone give this guy a Noble price for Peace
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Nov 01, 2019 11:56am
@reality,
Please read the constitution and then comment.
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Nov 01, 2019 12:04pm
Travel to Pakistan without passport doesn’t make sense. There will be no way to check whether Indians are coming back or someone else.
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Nov 01, 2019 12:10pm
Great by pak again nothing will impact fascists in modi gov.
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Nov 01, 2019 12:10pm
Good gesture by Imran khan. Hope no violence takes place inside the holy Sikh shrine and the Corridar, in the name of whatever reason, for years to come!!!
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Nov 01, 2019 12:25pm
Thanks but waiver of fee is for a day only when dignitaries will visit and not the common man.
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Nov 01, 2019 12:26pm
the country is plagued with corruption, incompetence and lowest revenues and your are showing generosity by waiving off fees to cover operational expenses? Mind boggling.
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Nov 01, 2019 12:47pm
How about free food and accommodation ?
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Nov 01, 2019 12:49pm
@SHAHID SATTAR , No passport would help poor pple who don’t have passports who happens to be more religious. There is still requirement of valid identity with that they will be counted in and out. It’s a very good decision.
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Nov 01, 2019 12:51pm
A much needed welcome move. People to people contact is essential for situation to improve on the ground.
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Nov 01, 2019 12:59pm
Great move and wonderful gesture to help, accomodate and welcome the global Sikh community to Kartarpur by the dynamic and debonaire Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
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Nov 01, 2019 12:59pm
If he wants to waive, waive the 20$ fees. Many sikhs who are poor cant afford this fees.
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Nov 01, 2019 01:00pm
@Singh, no they will not
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Nov 01, 2019 01:02pm
@Raj , Yes, definitely China will.
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Nov 01, 2019 01:27pm
@Bipul , so what purpose are you coming for?
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Nov 01, 2019 01:32pm
@sanjeev, you most probably get that for free too.
Pakistanis are acknowledged the world over for being very friendly and hospitable with visitors.
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Nov 01, 2019 01:37pm
It sounds more like a one hit wonder.
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Nov 01, 2019 01:52pm
Thank mr. Pm.
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Nov 01, 2019 02:08pm
Very sensible and emphatic leader Pakistan has got after Mr Jinnah! Pakistani people should support him to lead the country forever.
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Nov 01, 2019 02:18pm
Love you Imran Saab for this.
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Nov 01, 2019 02:18pm
Good step.. He showed good intention towards this initiative..
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Nov 01, 2019 02:21pm
He is really a good ambassador for peace.
Much appreciated.
He is doing everything he can to reduce tensions
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Nov 01, 2019 02:39pm
@Taimoor, what positive thinker, NOT!
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Nov 01, 2019 03:13pm
Should be participated / inaugurated by oldest Pakistani in Sikh community wth IK to make common people feel proud. Just a suggestion.
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Nov 01, 2019 03:17pm
great....pakistan zindaba
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Nov 01, 2019 03:23pm
IK made a business out if Sikh pilgrimage. Charging $20. Very shameful.
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Nov 01, 2019 03:30pm
Excellent moved here by the PM. Pakistan much continue to open more doors and create ease for the ordinary people.
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Nov 01, 2019 03:47pm
@HashBrown®, agreed
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Nov 01, 2019 03:59pm
@Raj , there is ignoble prize waiting
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Nov 01, 2019 04:20pm
Great move to divide sikhs and Hindus. No passports and fees for sikhs but Hindus require both. The Indian Punjab chief minister has already said “no thanks”. Let’s see how this turns out.
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Nov 01, 2019 04:48pm
Salute to Honourable Prime Minister Imran Khan Sahib Jee!
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Nov 01, 2019 04:59pm
Good gesture. 20$ fee means INR-1400/-; still high. Can it be brought down to 10$...so that poor visitors can fulfill their dreams!
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Nov 01, 2019 05:16pm
We welcome our Sikh brothers into Pakistan with open arms. Well done Khan sab we are proud of you and long live Khan sab and Sidhu paji friendship which brought the Panjabi brothers from both sides to come together.
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Nov 01, 2019 05:21pm
Good step by Imran Khan.
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Nov 01, 2019 05:31pm
This will Be Only place where entry fees will be charged from Devotees. Very sad.
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Nov 01, 2019 05:57pm
It is the PM who has achieved a peace with the Indian Sikh community very much appreciated.
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Nov 01, 2019 06:11pm
@HashBrown®, Then why one day free? why can't IK accepts all piligrims free entrance? Will he be hero, if does one day free access. What a shame
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Nov 01, 2019 06:14pm
@Faisal, how can ordinary people can effort $20 fee? if family 6 people want to visit, then they need to pay $120.
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Nov 01, 2019 06:20pm
@Maya,
There is no "shame" in charging a fee.
Try visiting another country fir just $20!
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Nov 01, 2019 06:24pm
China Taiwan despite differences have open trade & travel policy. India & Pak should open up trade & travel in full. Let the students get education freely in any field they choose, let the skilled labors work freely on work visa, let the entrepreneur set franchise in both countries. The contentious issue of Kashmir be resolved through talks in an amicable way. Nothing is impossible if there’s a will there’s a way.
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Nov 01, 2019 06:44pm
@Indie Guy, Why would hindus want to visit. Let me guess.
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Nov 01, 2019 06:47pm
I know the real intentions.
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Nov 01, 2019 07:25pm
Indians can’t afford 20USD that has been proven
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Nov 01, 2019 07:37pm
@Neo, Hindus visit gurdwaras all the time. You need to understand dharma.
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Nov 01, 2019 08:15pm
@PrakashG, WE'll take your word for now.
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Nov 01, 2019 08:41pm
One of the best things done so far by PM Imran Khan, proving himself to be a man of vision and action.
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Nov 01, 2019 08:42pm
Really very nice and kind gesture. We greatly appreciate the efforts. may be the window of corridor opens up doors of peace.
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Nov 01, 2019 09:12pm
That is a very good gesture from IK. Hope that the positive atmosphere prevails.
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Nov 01, 2019 09:31pm
@N S,
"The condition of passport mandatory and USD 20 fees, what is free is this??"
That's the problem when you live in such a big country with such a small heart. Frankly you should be grateful that Pakistan even pushed for this initiative, which we did because of our love and respect for Sikhs on both sides of the border. Instead, you're embarrassing your own country by moaning about a nominal tourist fee, which is far cheaper than it could have been. It's no wonder you rank so low on the Global Happiness Index, when all you know how to do is foster hatred.
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Nov 01, 2019 09:33pm
It’s Ironic how Indians are complaining about paying 20USD and at the same time Indians should try visiting another country for 20USD
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Nov 01, 2019 09:41pm
@Taimoor, $ 20 isn't a issue for the Sikhs, the issue is only raked up by the people who can't digest the opening of the corridor, guess who they are......
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Nov 01, 2019 10:19pm
@Neo, Hindus visit Gurudwaras and hold Sikh gurus in reverence. Go see for yourself in Indian gurudwaras. Golden temple is visited by people from all over India and not just sikhs.
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Nov 01, 2019 10:56pm
@sanjeev, are You kidding? Actually i will not be surprised if imrankh agrees to even this...
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Nov 01, 2019 11:11pm
@Taimoor, In light of such positive news, people like you continue to complain, whine, and babble over anything. People like you are the opposite of what Pakistanis should be.
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Nov 01, 2019 11:17pm
@bhaRAT©, they are visiting just one Gurudwara!
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Nov 01, 2019 11:28pm
@INDMKB, This is mainly because indians mostly are miser people and spending Rs. 1400 is very big amount for them even they can afford it but still feel its very high fee..
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Nov 01, 2019 11:51pm
One of the best thing happened between two countries in recent years. Let there be peace f or ever.
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Nov 01, 2019 11:57pm
@PrakashG, Sure! Sure!
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Nov 01, 2019 11:59pm
Are the exemptions only for the celebrations or will they continue thereafter?
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Nov 02, 2019 12:02am
@HashBrown®,
Very good response.
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Nov 02, 2019 12:03am
@HashBrown®,
Quite right.
No embarrassing glib & shallow acts, oozing unctuous insincerity, such as: like it or not bear hugs, knuckle-cracking handshakes, pushing other aside to get into picture frames.
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Nov 02, 2019 12:05am
@rathindra nath chattopadhyay, What does this have to do with 'peace'? Absolutely nothing. As long as Modi is around, the 'peace' malarkey would be shunned. Our prime objective now is to make irreversible changes favourable to Indian national interests on the ground in Kashmir Valley.
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Nov 02, 2019 12:18am
@bhaRAT©, We do visit 'other countries' for less than 20$. I don't remember paying anything at all to crossover into Nepal and much less than 20$ when I went to Bhutan. I also think it costs less to enter Bangladesh (not that I have done that). Pakistan Govt should have asked the Indian Govt to pay an annual fee instead of charging the pilgrims.
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Nov 02, 2019 12:26am
@Random Indian, How many Sikhs visit temples should be a more appropriate question. We Hindus have always been taught to respect other faiths even as they malign ours and this has been the reason why Hindus have been exploited by everyone. The fact is that the broadmindedness among Hindus has been used to malign them as not being proud of their faith. There is no need for Hindus to visit anybody else's place of worship nor should we allow others in ours.
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Nov 02, 2019 01:12am
1, Waiving the passport requirement was not the best move. Passports are required for travel between the two most friendly nations on earth, US and Canada (although visa is not required). You may ask why, for security. This was established by the most advanced intelligence agencies and police organizations. One incident and the entire goodwill project will go down the drain. So please think about it.
2. Again registering 10 days in advance was a good idea from a security viewpoint. It would have helped security to review if any mischief mongers were trying to sneak in.
3. Waiving fees for the two occasions is also not correct considering they pay toll taxes all over the country and a similar amount for rooms at similar places in India.
4. I hope you have consulted security agencies. OR atleast local Sikhs like Dr. Amarnath Singh in US or the likes of him.
I am concerned and worried.
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Nov 02, 2019 01:47am
Sorry I meant Dr. Amarjit Singh of TV 84.
My apologies.
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Nov 02, 2019 02:02am
Thank you PM Imran Khan. We wish you had been our PM. We Sikhs are in gratitude to you.
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Nov 02, 2019 03:01am
@Singh, It is your turn and responsibility to not let it happen.
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Nov 02, 2019 03:03am
@DK PAMNANI, Take it slow and easy Wait for more. Snow has just started thawing.
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Nov 02, 2019 03:07am
@Haramullah Khan, Some one has to pay for security and all the other maintenance. Why Pakistani taxpayer. Nothing is free in the World and this money is peanut.
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Nov 02, 2019 03:09am
@Bret, Why don't you pay that fee if your are well to do. I am pretty sure lot of people will be sponsored.
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Nov 02, 2019 03:10am
Sufi pilgrims are not charged any fees when they come visiting India for Sufi shrines
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Nov 02, 2019 03:11am
@Maya, You can sponsor few I hope your good gesture will be appreciated.
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Nov 02, 2019 03:51am
And how exactly will the border guards know For sure whether someone is a Sikh? I am not sure how this makes sense.
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Nov 02, 2019 03:56am
@reality, where do you get your facts? The minority population dropped at partition as there was movement of people from both sides of the border to the other side, not because Hindus or Sikhs were eliminated in Pakistan.
Kartarpur is another example of how Sikhs enjoy the Pakistani hospitality to this day and even religious Hindu pilgrims are welcome.
Can India offer the same for Pakistani Muslim pilgrims visiting the shrines in India? The Indian e-visa application alone is the most racist piece of document that I have ever seen for any country on the face of the planet. Such blatant discrimination towards a country is UNACCEPTABLE in this day and age.
Assam and Kashmir tell a different story about India, one of Hindutva resurgence that Nehru and M. Gandhi Were completely against from the very beginning. Some introspection is in order??
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Nov 02, 2019 04:00am
Good step to promote relationship and toursim. Many jobs will be created.
Good job. Imran Khan, PM.
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Nov 02, 2019 04:22am
@HashBrown®, Could not have said any better.
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Nov 02, 2019 04:26am
@reality, little more education will do you good. The majority of Hindu population was in East Pakistan hence the reason for such disparity.
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Nov 02, 2019 04:34am
Very good decision.
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Nov 02, 2019 06:09am
Imran Khan Sahib, please get educated... Sikhs identity is their five Ks. No other documentation is needed.
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Nov 02, 2019 07:04am
I can appreciate where the PM is coming from, but for security purposes there must be checking of ID, this is an international border and I for one want to keep that international border intact, there should be facial recognition systems in place, I say this for the protection of Sikh pilgrims as there will be many who would want to muddy the waters and so it's important to put these safeguards in place. on the note of open borders, I would not like to see an open border, remembering that it is the majority of Indians who have voted for the bjp, the very same bjp with its vitriolic anti Muslim agenda.
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Nov 02, 2019 07:22am
@Takeitorleaveit, the removal of 900000 occupying troops would be a start.
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Nov 02, 2019 07:46am
he just loves sikh's
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Nov 02, 2019 07:54am
@HashBrown®, big heart is how India allows medical visas to Pakistanis who come here for treatment and when Indians crowd fund money for their cure. Is that ever reported in media?
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Nov 02, 2019 08:03am
Thank u sir
Love from india
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Nov 02, 2019 10:02am
@Saif Zulfiqar, that is not true.
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Nov 02, 2019 12:21pm
This will benefit Avam of both countries.
Also it set example of respecting religious sentiments is above everything.
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Nov 02, 2019 03:08pm
Job is done good. But measures has to be taken care for side effects from this.
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Nov 02, 2019 03:24pm
Didn't somebody say that every person coming to visit the Kartarpur Gurdwara will be paid twenty dollars in cash on the spot? Come, get in the line people for the free treat.
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Nov 02, 2019 03:29pm
@Mt, - What good gesture? They have asked for 20 Dollars as fees for each one from day two, I believe....check the fact....
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Nov 02, 2019 04:36pm
What about “Zazia” tax on Sikh pilgrims after inauguration?
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Nov 02, 2019 04:52pm
Thanks imran Khan for Kartarpur corridor
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Nov 02, 2019 04:52pm
Thanks imran Khan for Kartarpur corridor.... great job by great captain
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Nov 02, 2019 05:24pm
@bhaRAT© and HashBrown,
Both of you are right. Ever since IK has come to power, he has tried really hard to foster peace. Inspite of what has transpired recently, he could have easily shelved this project. But he has a large heart.
Sad to see people communalising this as well. I truly believe that IK is a well meaning person and speaks genuinely.
I ignore his anti Hindu, anti Modi and anti RSS rhetoric, purely because it's rhetoric. Of course he is pandering to his audience. But when time for action comes, he only has takes steps that lead to peace, and not violence.
I know that the current environment is not conducive for peace, it won't stay this way forever. Time changes everything.
I hope we see lasting peace in my lifetime. Dying to go to my granny's village in Sindh. And I will go there with my family without passport or visa.
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Nov 02, 2019 05:36pm
Great initiative by a great leader PM Imran Khan..really set an example for others..
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Nov 02, 2019 05:39pm
Took Mr. Khan long enough to decide.
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Nov 02, 2019 06:17pm
Why break to Sikh only.? There are other devotees that go to Grudwara but are not SIkh.
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Nov 02, 2019 06:30pm
@Indie Guy, Why differentiate between Sikh and Hindus. There are many intermarriages in India and Hindus also pray in Gurudwaras. Both should be treated the same.
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Nov 02, 2019 06:56pm
Pakistan should support minorities in India who are being oppressed and badly suffering in that so called "biggest democratic" society...
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Nov 02, 2019 08:50pm
@Neo, ....Why would hindus want to visit. Let me guess....
Please let us know what you have guessed.
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Nov 02, 2019 09:21pm
Peace (perhaps) begins with a small gesture ... and I hope this augers well for all of us who live in the subcontinent. Regardless of the nationalistic rhetoric from leaders from both sides of the divide, people are very tired of senseless violence. We have so many acute problems to solve - poverty, education, health - and so many opportunities - trade, arts and culture, medicine, addressing climate crisis (and so on). Let's see what happens next. I myself would love to visit the shrine.
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Nov 02, 2019 10:07pm
@Azhar Hussain,
"little more education will do you good. The majority of Hindu population was in East Pakistan hence the reason for such disparity."
Brother, they've known this for a long time, but at an early age these Hindustanis are force fed these kinds of arguments so that they can regurgitate them later on. Even when they read your reply, they'll continue to post the same arguments elsewhere.
What really aggravates them is that according to most data, Pakistan's minority communities are actually growing - and long may that continue, inshallah.
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Nov 02, 2019 10:47pm
Commendable gesture
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