AMRITSAR: "I had been an ardent fan of multi talented
Imran Khan. In the field of
cricket, he had been a great achiever and brought laurels not only for games but also to his country by winning the world cup. He was a pioneer in his field” said cabinet minister
Navjot Singh Sidhu before crossing over to
Pakistan from
Attari land border to attend the swearing in ceremony of Pakistan’s prime minister elect Imran Khan.
However, he refrained from commenting when asked why he was not going to attend the funeral ceremony of late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
He said the political change that had emerged after the recent general elections held in Pakistan was a historical event.
Stating that he knew Imran Khan for the last three and a half decades and had been meeting him in different nations on the cricketing field, Sidhu said "I firmly believe that Khan will positively respond to step taken to improve the ties between both the countries which will provide the feeling of brotherhood, peace, prosperity between the two nations as well as in Asia."
"It is just because of this pious friendship and strong bond, that I have been invited by Khan to this all important swearing in ceremony. It is matter of pride, happiness and satisfaction for me to be a part of this ceremony" he said.
He said apart from cricket, he had always been impressed by the overall personality of Khan and this was the reason during cricketing days, he always tried to stay close to him. "The bond and brotherhood we share is decades old," he said.
"I also strongly believe we must give priority to improve trade, cultural and other relations between the two countries and this will not only improve the relations but also fulfill the need and the aspirations of millions of people residing in both the countries. And this is possible, through harmony and mutual confidence" said Sidhu.
