“Where there is a will, there is a way.” Making the often-repeated proverb true, both India and Pakistan have opened the Kartarpur Corridor in record time, enabling the people to visit Dera Baba Nanak or Kartarpur Sahib where the first Sikh Guru spent few years of his life. By doing so, both countries have been able to prove that geographical boundaries means nothing, if neighbours decide to stand beside each other and show respect to other’s viewpoint. Otherwise, the amicable solution of this seven-decades-old problem cannot be in sight. Kartarpur became a part of Pakistan in 1947 when this subcontinent got portioned. Since then, various attempts were made to make this historic place available for pilgrimage. Government of India, on many occasions, has requested its Pakistani counterpart for opening up the corridor without any positive results. So, since Independence only few persons from India could visit the abode of Baba Guru Nanak Dev. India once again requested Pakistan after Imran Khan regime came to power. Cricketer turned politician Navjot Singh Sidhu played an important role in changing the mind of the Pakistani authority. Sidhu was present in Imran Khan’s swearing-in ceremony. There he requested Imran to consider the matter favourably. Imran responded positively and the decades-old imbroglio was solved within minutes.
The positive development regarding Kartarpur has made us hopeful that not everything is lost between India and Pakistan. If both the countries are really interested in easing their ties, there is hope. Yes, Kashmir is a bone of contention between the two countries. But why should Kashmir be allowed to suppress all other issues which are affecting the lives of people on both sides of the border? Why should relatives remain separated for years just because of Kashmir? Why shouldn’t sporting ties between the two nations be resumed? Why should contact between people be abolished? These questions are far more serious than Kashmir. Pakistan should read the pages of history once again to realise that its claim on that land is not viable as Kashmir became a part of India only to defeat Pakistan’s aggression. If Pakistan didn’t send its forces to capture Kashmir, the problem wouldn’t have occurred. Islamabad should also remember that two wrongs can’t make a right. First, Pakistan made a mistake by sending forces to Kashmir and secondly the country is now doing a great disservice to humanity by allowing its land to be used by terrorists. The first mistake is already a part of history. So it cannot be rectified. But Pakistan can any moment stop aiding and abetting terrorism. The country should not forget that it is now virtually left without any friend in the international arena for its support towards terror. Moreover, it should realise, terrorism will not spare them too. There are many instances when Pakistan was attacked by terrorists, whom it fed, provided shelter and gave them training to carry on subversive activities.
Imran Khan must notice that not a single voice from Pakistan was raised against his government’s decision to provide a VISA-free corridor for Indian pilgrims. So, he can rest assured that if he intends to extend hands of friendship towards India, citizens of the country will never oppose. Rather, it will provide him the required strength to take on the enemies of mankind and humanity. It is now for Imran Khan to decide whether he wants to extend the hands of friendship further or willingly remain a prisoner in the hands of those who are pushing the world towards destruction.
