Pakistan’s army spokesperson Asif Ghafoor rejected claims by an Indian journalist that pilgrims traveling to the gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib has dramatically reduced after protests broke out in Nankana Sahib.
“How far and low one should go to spread lies and keep losing credibility?,” Major General Asif Ghafoor said in a quote tweet over a post by Kashmiri journalist Aditya Raj Kaul. “Today on 4 Jan, 572 Pilgrims visited Kartarpura Sahib,” he added. “Want to challenge? Check at own side or anyone can come to see the record at the Pakistani entry point. Welcome.”
The Indian journalist quoting his sources said that out of 737 Indian pilgrims cleared to travel to Pakistan, only 150 crossed the border.
How far and low one should go to spread lies and keep losing credibility? Not as much as in the quoted tweet here.
Today on 4 Jan, 572 Pilgrims visited Kartarpura Sahib. Want to challenge? Check at own side or anyone can come to see the record at Pakistani entry point. Welcome. https://t.co/2Lod2zTGu7
— Asif Ghafoor (@peaceforchange) January 4, 2020
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, there was an altercation in the city between two Muslim groups, and those involved were in custody. “Attempts to paint this incident as a communal issue are patently motivated,” it said in a statement, adding that the Gurdwara remained untouched and undamaged.
“All insinuations to the contrary, particularly the claims of acts of ‘desecration and destruction’ and desecration of the holy place, are not only false but also mischievous.” Pakistan, it added, remains dedicated to uphold the law and order and providing security to the people, especially the minorities.
Earlier, as EurAsian Times reported, the Indian Government strongly condemned the mob violence at Gurdwara Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. “India strongly condemns these wanton acts of destruction and desecration of the holy place. We call upon the Government of Pakistan to take immediate steps to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of the members of the Sikh community,” the government said in a statement.
