Notwithstanding the prevailing Indo-Pak tension, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj showed her humanitarian gesture, yet again like on numerous occasions earlier, to a group of visiting Pakistani students.
She ensured the group of Pakistan students reached back their country safe in these days of border tension between India and Pakistan. The External Affairs Minister (EAM) assured the Pakistani students, who were in India for a youth festival, that bitterness in relations between India and Pakistan will never come in the way of humanity.
The delegation of 19 female students from Pakistan was visiting Chandigarh for the 11th Global Youth Peace Festival. However, amidst news of growing tension between India and Pakistan, particularly after the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes, these girls expressed concern about their safety in India and return. Aliya Harir, leader of the contingent and convenor of Indo-Pak friendship initiative titled Aaghaz-E-Dosti, reached out to Swaraj. The Minister assured her that she was absolutely safe in India and that she can reach out to her if there is any problem.
“Extremely overwhelmed. Spoke to @SushmaSwaraj ji who assured that Pakistani delegation of #GYPF2016 will reach Pakistan back safe,” Harir tweeted.
Swaraj responded back saying daughters are special. “Aliya — I was concerned about your well being kyonki betiyan to sabki sanjhi hoti hain (daughters belong to all),” Swaraj said. After crossing over to Wagah, Harir again tweeted, “Aap ki beti kehlane ka sharf hasil hai, aur kya chaheyay (Had the honour of being called as your daughter, what more is needed). The delegation has reached back home safe & immensely happy. Thanks a million times”.
However, Harir went back home without meeting her favourite actor Arjun Kapoor. “#PakistanInIndia I love you @arjunk26 - I wish it were not that difficult and I wish I could meet you,” she tweeted.
On Monday, in a noble gesture the Border Security Force handed back to Pakistan Rangers a 12-year-old boy who had accidentally crossed over to the Indian side in search of drinking water.