FO issues strong condemnation of ‘malicious’ Indian media reports about Kartarpur – Pakistan

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO) rejected on Monday completely unfounded reports that appeared in a section of the Indian media and were attributed to "intelligence sources", saying they should be treated with the contempt they deserve.

The reports in question had suggested the presence of alleged militant training camps in Narowal, near the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib.

"The spirit of Kartarpur from Pakistan is aimed at facilitating Nanak Naamlevas, especially Sikhs, to visit one of their most revered places of worship and promote interfaith harmony, "said a FO press release.

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"The content of the media reports in question is part of a malicious propaganda campaign in India that cannot be condemned enough."

According to the FO statement, unfounded accusations about the use of Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib for any purpose other than worship are a deliberate attempt to misrepresent Pakistan's gesture of goodwill, undermine the corridor's initiative and damage the religious feelings of Sikhs all over the world.

"We have no doubt that such naughty attempts will be rejected with the contempt they deserve."

Prime Minister Khan will open the Kartarpur corridor on November 9, for which former Indian cricket star and lawmaker Navjot Singh Sidhu was also invited.

Darbar Sahib Kartarpur is 4.5 km from the international border in Narowal district and is one of the holiest places for Sikhs. It is where Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji was established and preached during the last 18 years of his life and is his last resting place.

After spent negotiations, Pakistan and India signed an agreement last month, paving the way for the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor this month.

The four-kilometer long corridor would provide Sikh pilgrims with visa-free travel between Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur and the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in the Gurdaspur district, India. Daily access to up to 5,000 Indian Sikhs would be allowed, with plans to double capacity.

India has reportedly shared with Pakistan a list of 575 people who will be part of the first Sikh delegation to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib after passing through the newly built corridor.

Seventy-six immigration counters have been prepared to serve some 5,000 Sikh pilgrims from India. The border terminal has been built 350 meters from the zero point and pilgrims will be transported aboard buses to Gurdwara, where they will be provided with airport-type facilities, according to a media report.