ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has termed the Kartarpur Corridor, as a "corridor of hope" and a manifestation of Pakistan's commitment to interfaith harmony and religious unity. Qureshi stated this in a tweet on Monday on the eve of first anniversary of the opening of Kartarpur Corridor.

"Today, on the first anniversary of historic opening of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, we reflect on the Peace Corridor as a manifestation of Pakistan's commitment to interfaith harmony and religious unity. Inaugurated on eve of 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, it is indeed a corridor of hope," the foreign minister stated.

The Corridor, inaugurated on 09 November 2019 by Prime Minister Imran Khan, on the eve of the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, fulfilled the long-awaited desire of the Sikh community from all over the world. Kartrapur has a special significance in the Sikh religion, as the first Guru of Sikhism, Baba Guru Nanak Saheb, had spent the last years of his life in Kartarpur.

Kartarpur Corridor, also known as the "Peace Corridor", is a true symbol of inter-faith harmony and religious unity, said the Foreign Office in a statement. It added that the Sikh as well as the international community, including the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, who while visiting Kartarpur described it as "Corridor of Hope", had immensely, appreciated that landmark initiative of Pakistan.

The Corridor was temporarily closed on 16 March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As the religious places started gradually opening up around the world, Pakistan also reopened the Corridor on 29 June 2020 with Covid-related necessary health and safety protocols. India has yet to reopen the Corridor from its side and allow the Sikh pilgrims to visit Kartarpur Saheb.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020