Sidhu arrives in Pakistan to attend Khan's oath taking ceremony
What's the story
Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu today arrived in Lahore to attend the swearing-in ceremony of his friend Imran Khan as Pakistan's Prime Minister. Wearing a blue suit and a pink turban, Sidhu arrived at Lahore via the Wagah border from where he will travel to Islamabad to attend Khan's oath-taking ceremony. Imran is expected to be sworn in as PM on Saturday, August 18.
Indo-Pak Relations
Sidhu used his usual poetic expression while interacting with reporters
Welcoming the "change" in Pakistan's democracy with the election of Imran as PM, Sidhu said, Khan should come forward in peace initiative between two neighbors. "I brought 'a message-of-love' to Pakistan as a goodwill ambassador of India," he said. "I have come here not as a politician but...a friend," he said, adding sportsmen and artists help in bringing people of the two sides closer.
Statement
I have brought a Kashmiri shawl for Imran, says Sidhu
Talking about the qualities of Khan, the former cricketer said: "I have seen Khan converting his weaknesses into his strength. I wish Imran becomes a symbol of prosperity (for his country)." Replying to a query on the gift he has brought for Imran, Sidhu said: "I have brought a Kashmiri shawl for Khan sahib." "Hindustan jeevay, Pakistan jeevay," he chanted while reading a verse.
Information
Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev had declined Imran's invitation
Earlier this week, former Indian cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev whom Khan had invited for his swearing-in had declined the invitation citing personal engagements.