"With message of love" Sidhu reaches Pakistan for Imran's oath-taking

LAHORE: As the oath-taking ceremony of next prime minister of Pakistan nears, former Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu arrived here on Friday on the invitation of prime minister-designate Imran Khan.

Sidhu arrived in Lahore via Wagah border crossing, from where he will travel to the federal capital Islamabad to attend the oath-taking ceremony of prime minister-in waiting Khan.

The oath-taking ceremony will be held on August 18.

Speaking to media, Sidhu encouraged the transformation (Tabdeeli) in Pakistan brought about by the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party.

“I have come to Pakistan on my friend’s (Imran) invitation. These are very special moments,” he said.

“Hindustan jeevey, Pakistan jeevey (Long Live India, Long Live Pakistan)!” he cheered.

The former cricketer stressed that athletes and artists bridge distances [between countries]. “I have come here bearing the message of love, and prayers for Pakistanis,” he added.

Imran Khan, the PM designate and cricketer-turned-politician, is set to take oath of the prime minister’s office on August 18. He invited Indian cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Navjot Singh Sidhu for the swearing-in ceremony.

Indian politician Sidhu had earlier hailed Khan’s victory in the Pakistan general elections calling him “a man of character”.

He was the first to accept an earlier invitation extended by the PTI.