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First bus from Amritsar arrives in
Nankana Sahib

     Nankana Sahib (Pakistan): The first bus service from Amritsar to Nankana Sahib carrying 29 passengers arrived here today through the Wagah route. The passengers were given warm welcome as they landed here. Earlier, as the bus crossed into Pakistan from the Wagah border, it was received by the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Ejaz-ul-Haq, the District Collector of Lahore Mian Amir Mehmood and West Punjab's Tourism Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had flagged off the bus service between Amritsar and Nankana Sahib, the birth place of founder of Sikh religion Guru Nanak Dev, declaring that the road link had opened a "new chapter" between India and Pakistan. Waiving a green flag, the Prime Minister launched the much- awaited inaugural service of the bus, carrying 29 passengers, shortly before noon amidst cheering by hundreds of people who had gathered here despite rain. "I am extremely happy to be here in Amritsar on this very important occasion of the launch of a regular bus service between Amritsar and Nankana Sahib. This is indeed a memorable day for Punjab.

     "This is a historic day for the entire Sikh Community, both in Punjab and elsewhere. This is a historic day for the Panth. In many ways, it is a historic day for both India and Pakistan," said the Prime Minister, who was flanked by his wife Gursharan Kaur and East Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. The 130-km road link, connecting the holy sites of the Sikh religion, has been a long-standing demand of people of both sides of Punjab, and the two countries had in January PM flags off Amritsar-Nankana Sahib busthis year decided to begin the service. Earlier, the tourism minister of Pakistan said the Government of Pakistan was taking measures to provide tourism opportunities to peoples of India and Pakistan. Mian Amir Mehmod was of the view that new roads are being constructed from Wahga border to Nankana Sahib which would help cement friendly ties between the two countries.
-Mar 24, 2006

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