Imran Khan’s emphasis on peace through talks has affirmed hope: Navjot Sidhu

NEW DELHI: Embroiled in a controversy after his recent visit to Pakistan, cricketer-turned politician Navjot Singh Sidhu has said that he went to Pakistan as a ‘goodwill ambassador’ and received a very positive message from people, politicians and friends, who desire peace in the region.

“The way I was welcomed, it has reinforced my belief that relations between India and Pakistan may improve in the near future.

“I have returned from Pakistan with such hopes. Mr. Imran Khan’s emphasis on peace through talks has only affirmed my hope,” he said in an interview to Indian daily The Hindu.

He said the Indian government should take the dialogue forward. When asked on his reaction to the controversies around his visit, Sidhu said that the visit was not a political one but rather a goodwill gesture and he went on the invitation of his friend Imran Khan.

“My visit was not a political one, I went on an invitation from a friend (Imran Khan). The visit was a goodwill gesture. We should capitalise on it. Criticism will fetch nothing.

“If one doesn’t want to encourage goodwill then why have embassies? Why on Independence day do we exchange sweets among jawans and shake hands? Why the Indian High Commissioner gifted a bat to Mr. Imran Khan? Why late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee took a ‘Dosti Bus’ to Pakistan. Why did Prime Minister Narendra Modi go and hug former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif,” he asked.

“Now tell me how was my hug different.These are all ‘gestures,” he said, adding that he believes that the  that communication should not break as talks are the only solution to resolve issues between the two nations.

“We want peace”

Sidhu also elaborated on the conversation with Pakistan’s army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, saying that he wanted to facilitate Sikh pilgrims which was an emotional moment for him and he responded with a hug.

“Gen. Bajwa approached me saying I am a General who wanted to be a cricketer to which I responded saying I am a cricketer who wanted to be a General.

“After a little pause, Gen. Bajwa said I have good news for you: “We are contemplating opening a passage from Dera Baba Nanak (India) to Kartarpur Sahib (Pakistan) to facilitate pilgrims to pay obeisance on the occasion of the 550th ‘Parkash Diwas’ of Guru Nanak Dev.

“It was an emotional moment for me as I am sure it would be for any ‘Punjabi’ and as a natural reaction I reciprocated with a hug. I am not a robot. If someone comes and gives wings to the aspiration, to the dream of every Punjabi, won’t have I positive emotion for him?”

“The hug was an emotional, natural human reaction… And then Gen. Bajwa’s parting words were, “We want peace” and that was the end of the conversation,” he said.

Sidhu said that he went with a message of peace and love and as a goodwill ambassador, and he did discuss politics and that was the reason he received so much love and regard from the people in Pakistan.

“I believe, instead of criticism, which has been disappointing and hurtful, we must focus on expanding trade and bonding between both the nations,” he added.