Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

Attending the swearing-in ceremony of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan as the Prime Minister held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr (the President House) in Islamabad on Saturday, Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu expressed hope to achieve improved and peaceful relations between Indian and Pakistan now as his “friend” has come to power, reported PTI.

Sidhu wore a blue suit with a pink turban at the ceremony and was seen sitting next to the PoK President Masood Khan. Indian politician was among the few special invitees present at the occasion.

Imran Khan who led Pakistan cricket team to win the 1992 World Cup, invited some of his cricketer friends to attend the ceremony. Besides Sidhu, from India, former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev were also invited who declined due to personal reasons.

Sidhu can be seen embracing Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, another “hug” which has created a lot of buzz in the Indian media and politics.

Sidhu, a Congress minister in the Punjab government, told state-run PTV in Islamabad, “A new morning is here in Pakistan with a new government which can change the destiny of the country.”

Sidhu said that he has brought “a message of love” to Pakistan from India. “I have come here not as a politician but as a friend. I have come here to take part in the happiness of my friend (Imran)”, he explained and added that sportspersons and artists can bring the two sides closer.

Praising Khan, Sidhu said, “I have seen Khan converting his weaknesses into his strength. I wish Imran becomes a symbol of prosperity (for his country).”

The two countries have strained relations for some time now. Sidhu is widely criticized for accepting Khan’s invitation and attending the ceremony. After the “hug” and sitting next to Pok President, the opposition and some leaders from within the Congress increased their condemnation of the Punjab leader.

Though Sidhu had always maintained that he would be going to Pakistan as Khan’s friend and a cricketer, not as a politician.

By isha

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