Foolish to think Pakistan, India can go to war with each other: PM

NAROWAL: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday laid the foundation stone of the Kartarpur corridor and said peace is the only way forward for India and Pakistan as it is foolish to think that two nuclear-armed nations can go to war.

The premier performed the groundbreaking of the corridor, connecting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur area of Narowal district with Dera Baba Nanak in India's Gurdaspur District.

Addressing the ceremony which was attended by Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, government officials, Indian ministers and foreign diplomats, PM Imran thanked those in attendance and vowed, "We will keep improving Kartarpur corridor and next year you will see all facilities will be available there."

Speaking about his cricketing days, PM Imran said, "There were two kinds of cricketers — one who were scared of losing and took no chances and the other who took risks and were always successful." The premier continued that when he entered politics he also came across two kinds of politicians. "One who sacrificed the public good for their own benefit and the other who thought about the society, did not spread hate, took chances and big decisions as well."

The premier added, "All of Pakistan's institutions are on the same page today."

Speaking about the need for better relations between India and Pakistan, the premier said, "If we want to end poverty, borders should be opened."

Renewing his offer for talks, the premier said, "If India takes one step forward, we will take two steps forward."

"We want to move forward in our relations with India," he asserted. "If France and Germany who fought several wars can live in peace, why can't India and Pakistan," the premier added.

Speaking about criticism of former Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu for attending his oath-taking ceremony, PM Imran said, "I don't understand why he was criticised, Sidhu was talking about peace between two countries which are nuclear armed."

"It is foolish for anyone to think there can be war between two nuclear-armed countries as there is no winning for anyone. So, if there can be no war then what other way is there other than friendship?" the premier said.

"I invite Sidhu to contest elections from Pakistan's Punjab and I know he will win. Hopefully we will not have to wait for Sidhu to become prime minister for relations to improve between the two countries and before that, Indian leadership will take positive steps," PM Imran joked.

Sidhu on Tuesday led a delegation of his country to attend the groundbreaking ceremony on Pakistan's invitation. The Indian delegation comprising Minister for Food Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister for Housing Hardeep S Puri and Sidhu reached Lahore through the Wagah Border crossing where they were received by officials of the Punjab Rangers.