Sidhu draws criticism in India for visiting Pakistan and embracing Gen Bajwa
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India's cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu on Saturday expressed the optimism that Prime Minister Imran Khan would steer his country out of crises and change its destiny.
The legendary cricketer accompanied by Vikram Singh Meta, Imran Khan's close friend from India, and Ramiz Raja, member of Pakistan's 1992 World Cup winning team, addressed a press conference in Islamabad.
Navjot Singh Sidhu said the invitation extended to him to attend Imran Khan's oath-taking ceremony was a "message of love, friendship and peace for his countrymen".
"There was a deep message in Imran Khan's statement of taking two steps forward in response to one by India," he said, adding that it was now an obligation for him to take that message to the government across the border to resolve all the disputes with Pakistan through dialogue.
However, this gesture by Sidhu didn't go well with the nationalist parties in India, as they targeted him for attending the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan, with the BJP describing his visit to Islamabad as "shameful", Times of India reported.
Sidhu's hug with the Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa during the ceremony also came under fire with the opposition parties asking him "whether he remembered the sacrifices made by the Indian soldiers at the border".
Talking to media persons, Sidhu said that General Bajwa had said Pakistan would open the border at Kartarpura for Sikh pilgrims visiting Nankana Sahib to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.
"Opening of the Kartarpura passage is an earnest desire of the Sikh community," he maintained.
The former Indian cricketer said he received lots of love and respect in Pakistan. He had also brought a message of love and friendship from India but the people here reciprocated with 'compound interest', he added.
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On DawnNews
Comments (67) Closed
Aug 18, 2018 11:54pm
Wonderful soft diplomatic spoken Sidhu Singh, got what he desired. Much more Sikh travelers will be allowed via Kartarpur on auspices occasion of 550th Birth Aniversary of Baba Guru Nanak. That’s it. His old friendship with PM Imran Khan is a personal right .
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Aug 18, 2018 11:56pm
If Modi can visit Pakistan and have biriyani with Nawas Sharif why not Sidhu?
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Aug 18, 2018 11:58pm
SAD
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Aug 19, 2018 12:06am
In my view, Sidhu is sincerely interested in peace in the region, but, as usual, hardliners in India using his visit to Pakistan for their own political gains and creating obstacles. This is my honest assessment!
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Aug 19, 2018 12:08am
Peace, love and friendship is easy for celebrities with loads of money in the bank.
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Aug 19, 2018 12:17am
Sidhu, as a guest, received all love and goodwill here but over there no reciprocity except a picture of intolerance. Big difference there in two nations psyches.
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Aug 19, 2018 12:19am
Why some hard core Indians are so narrow minded? just unbelievable, they need to come out of the old age darkness of hate.
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Aug 19, 2018 12:28am
Good gesture from Mr. Sidhu, Instead of building rift he came here to develop good relationships we need to move forward if we continue look to past then it will continue haunt us!!
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Aug 19, 2018 12:45am
The BJP did not term the visit as shameful. Sidhu's BJP political opponent in Punjab did. There is a big difference when Modi or party hierarchy terms it as shameful vs a local opponent. Meanwhile, Imran Khan should know that India has already taken the first step on MFN. His two steps are awaited. I'm not holding my breath.
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Aug 19, 2018 12:46am
Nothing wrong in building relationships with Pakistanis!
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Aug 19, 2018 12:46am
Respect to Sidhu. Also a message of peace and love from Pakistan to India
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Aug 19, 2018 12:53am
Indian media is very immature.
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Aug 19, 2018 12:56am
The criticism of Siddhu is unnecessary. Hugging Bajwa or showing appreciation for promoting peace does not make any Indian a traitor. The visit of Siddhu is not an insult to any Indian. This criticism is similar to many in Pakistan who mistook Nawaz Sharif's overtures for peace with India as weakness or sell out .My appeal to people on both sides of border is to PLEASE PLEASE change the mindset of the past and look forward to how we can achieve & promote peace between both the countries. Together India and Pakistan can achieve a lot.
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Aug 19, 2018 12:58am
Please lets give peace a chance and improve people to people relations. How come Indians and Pakistanis living in the West become good friends but those living in the subcontinent hate ? The reason is we never get to interact with the otherside and the policies of our governments to isolate the two people only make matters worse. We become "the other" to our neighbour rather than remembering that we once "the same" and have centuries of shared history.
Restoring cricketing ties would be a great move - I would love to watch Amir and Yasir bowl to Kohli and Rahane in a test match !
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Aug 19, 2018 12:59am
Sidhu you are great
.Don't bow down to fake nationalists who nationalism only means hate for others.
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Aug 19, 2018 01:11am
Mr. Sidhu our respect and love to you all the time you are Wellcome in Pakistan
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Aug 19, 2018 01:16am
Sidhu paaji has a message of love and peace. We, the people of Pakistan, warmly welcome him. When I was watching oath-taking ceremony I paused the video when Sidhu Sir appeared and showed the screen to my mother and father that an Indian is here among us. There were many guests but an Indian - only an Indian got our utmost attention. This is, I think, a solid justification of our wanting peace with India and Indians. It is sad that Indian media is showing pessimistic side of the story only.
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Aug 19, 2018 01:19am
I don't know why Indians are so narrow minded.
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Aug 19, 2018 01:26am
Sir Sidhu made us Pakistanis happy with his unique and eloquent poetry. Lots of love from Pakistan.
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Aug 19, 2018 01:28am
So the problem is nationalists !
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Aug 19, 2018 01:31am
This is India taking a step forward showing its true colours controlling its media outlets shame on u. I salute u sidhu u attended as a true ambassador of peace and if anyone says any different they have nothing but hatred in their heart. Only evil people have hatred not good people who genuinely want peace.
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Aug 19, 2018 01:33am
Indian media only knows how to nag.
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Aug 19, 2018 01:38am
Indian politicians need to grow up from stone ages. World has changed otherwise India from 1947 will become a mini mi India.
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Aug 19, 2018 01:40am
I think it was a great gesture from Sidhu. Why on earth India has to make a mountain of every mole. If two countries geographically together then it is stupidness to fight with each other on every small issues. In every situation peace is the only solution. India should have been optimistic rather than rigid in every aspect of the life..
I think Sidhu did the right thing to come to Pakistan and Pakistan also welcomed him with open arms...
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Aug 19, 2018 01:46am
Actually thing is that Indian media is extremely ridiculous in the world. I do not have words to condemn the irresponsible, intolerant and illiterate media persons of India. They know how to sell the news.
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Aug 19, 2018 01:48am
It’s not so easy for anybody to open the borders....neither for India nor for Pakistan....
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Aug 19, 2018 01:50am
Imagine if somebody from Pakistan go and hug Indian army chief
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Aug 19, 2018 01:53am
Another nail in Congress coffin
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Aug 19, 2018 02:00am
Shallow and narrow mindness of our neighbours
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Aug 19, 2018 02:01am
Sidhu Ji Love has always more power than hatred.No need to worry.U did yr part.Now both Govts will do theirs.
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Aug 19, 2018 02:03am
Indian have thus proved that they are A nation full of hate with no feeling, respect and love. They have also shown their true face of last 71 years unintentionally.
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Aug 19, 2018 02:10am
There is a lot of respect in Punjab for their Sikh ancestors. They are always welcome with open arms and heart. Message of love and respect should prevail between the two countries.
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Aug 19, 2018 02:14am
For all of you, in India, critical of Navjot, let’s hear some of your ideas for creating goodwill and bringing about peace between brothers.
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Aug 19, 2018 02:20am
Sidhu is the only person from India to visit Pakistan.
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Aug 19, 2018 02:25am
He would have drawn ire of Hindutvas regardless. Shouldn't have come to Pakistan. Not sure if he and his family will be safe in Hindustan now.
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Aug 19, 2018 02:28am
Truly impressed by our friend from across the border Mr Navjot Sidhu's talk and expressions during his visit to Pakistan.
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Aug 19, 2018 03:05am
The voices of peace and harmony will prevail ultimately.
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Aug 19, 2018 03:11am
Media plays a big role in spreading love or hate. Sadly Indian media is very immature and always promotes hatred just for views. Sidhu came here to spread love and our people warmly welcomed him. Instead of appreciating it, they are promoting further hatred. Very sad.
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Aug 19, 2018 03:25am
Thanks so much Sidhu Saab for your Pakistan trip and I pray for your safety in India, can't forget what happened to Om Puri Saab after talking good about Pakistan
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Aug 19, 2018 03:51am
Indians who criticise this statesman who depicts indians in a positive way should be ashamed. He brought a message of goodwill and peace. It is disgusting to insult such an honorable character. If more indians followed his example, there would be hope that the sub continent could be a better more prosperous region. Instead of peace and a positive focus on making life better for your people, you would rather have hatred/ suffering. Shame on you!!
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Aug 19, 2018 03:52am
Pakistan Army Chief and Sidue Bhai are both sensible people who want to seek the best common ground for the people of India and Pakistan. We should bury the hatchet and move forward towards positive relations with our neighbors.
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Aug 19, 2018 03:59am
If anyone wants to know what a true friend looks like, just look at Sidhu. Respect. Thanks for visiting Pakistan!
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Aug 19, 2018 04:05am
That was not right.
Navjot Sidhu went to Pakistan on an invitation. Being a former fraternity sportsman, he has every right to go there.
Imran Khan is a good person, and if we can improve our relations with Pakistan, there should be no harm.
There is no harm in any handshakes and hugs. After all, the majority of us have had the same roots.
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Aug 19, 2018 04:23am
Good job Sidhu. India needs open minded and progressive people like you
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Aug 19, 2018 04:35am
Some Indians can’t change. Let politicians solve this.
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Aug 19, 2018 05:55am
We need to figure out who are protesting and for what.. peace???
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Aug 19, 2018 06:03am
Criticism will come from extremists only. What Sidhu bhai did was a great gesture and promotes only peace. He has gained respect and love from all Pakistanis. Sidhu sahab is the Sher-e-punjab.
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Aug 19, 2018 06:37am
Forget about trying to make peace with India. India is hell bent on discrediting Pakistan at every opportunity. Focus on other neighbours and move on.
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Aug 19, 2018 06:44am
His political and personal future is doomed.
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Aug 19, 2018 06:56am
The sooner our Indian family hugs Pakistani family and Pakistan family hug our Indian family the better for all humanity.
Love you India and Love you Pakistan.
IndoPak Blood Brothers 4 Life!
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Aug 19, 2018 07:18am
Our BJP is a double faced party!. If they do it, then it's ok! But if others do it, then it's insult to India's pride!!!.
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Aug 19, 2018 07:22am
Love you Siddhu ji, two words for you Khalistan Zindabad.
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Aug 19, 2018 07:26am
It is interesting to watch.
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Aug 19, 2018 07:33am
Welcome, welcome all my Hindu Pilgrim family and my Sikh Family Gee Aya Nu :)
Pakistan is a land of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis, Christians etc., we all are the same good and bad are in all of us. In my village thousands of Hindu family live with us, we grew up together. I can't never separate my Hindu friends from my heart. Love, love and love to you.
IndoPak Blood Brothers 4 Life!
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Aug 19, 2018 07:44am
Please allow this friendship to continue with exchange of visitors from both sides.
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Aug 19, 2018 07:58am
Such a shameful what India doing to his own people Sidhu. This prove India don't want peace with Pakistan. Shame. Pakistan have big heart
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Aug 19, 2018 08:06am
Its amazing that in all its current extremism, India still has fascinating and peace loving people like Sidhu.
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Aug 19, 2018 08:11am
NS knows how to get in news and gain cheap popularity.
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Aug 19, 2018 08:50am
There are people on both sides who did not appreciate the friendliness Pakistanis showed to our Indian neighbors, this might be a good time to start the peace process just by being courteous. It’s our culture to hug and welcome our guests, people across the border should know that.
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Aug 19, 2018 09:05am
Mr. Siddhu is funny. And that is what I love about him.
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Aug 19, 2018 09:28am
Immature response. There is nothing wrong in the meeting. It was just a courtesy act Sidhu & Army Chief during swearing in. Nothing more.
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Aug 19, 2018 09:44am
With the very narrow minded Indian nationalist parties we should have expected this.
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Aug 19, 2018 10:02am
Should the Indians not first attack their Prime Minister for talking to IK and congratulating him. Now when an ordinary visits Pakistan, they attack him. India is an insecure country and hyopcritic.
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Aug 19, 2018 12:58pm
The PM of India Modi have also attended the marriage of the granddaughter of Nawaz Shariff in Pakistan, when both of them were head of their own countries.,
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Aug 19, 2018 12:58pm
Half truth and distorted way of representation. BJP is rulling party in India which allowed Sidhu or anyone to visit Pak. There is criticism by very small section not for attending the ceremony but for meeting Bajwa.
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Aug 19, 2018 06:34pm
This is another evidence of india not being interested in peace and stability.
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Aug 19, 2018 10:27pm
@Suraj71 Suraj, You are right the central government allowed Sindhu to be at the oath taking, so that means they are also looking for a bilateral path forward with Pakistan. No major BJP leader, as far as I know, has criticized the visit.
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