'Imran is like gold. Even if you throw him in fire, he will emerge stronger, more polished'


Our Correspondent August 17, 2018
Navjot Singh Sindhu crossing over to Pakistan on Imran Khan's invitation SCREENGRAB

Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu arrived in Lahore on Thursday afternoon on the invitation of prime minister-designate Imran Khan for his oath-taking ceremony.

"I have come to bring love and they have called me for it. I am not here to be political, I have come for Imran's happiness." He also said that all sportsmen, athletes and artists are responsible for making  "making relations, they don't break them".

After the speaker's announcement, the assembly erupted in applause as lawmakers congratulated the newly-elected premier.

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Sidhu said everyone, from Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Ghulam Ali, Kishore Kumar or Wasim Akram, they stitch the people together. "Like the seamstress' scissors which cut the cloth are kept under their feet, but the threads that tie the cloth together are kept with love on display. We are the threads," he added.

However, the Indian minister seemed flustered at the death of former prime minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee whose funeral is being held today in New Delhi. "I am very upset today as it is his funeral. He tried to bring peace between India and Pakistan and acted as a mediator. While, I am very sad at the passing of Vajpayee, life goes on and I have come to Pakistan with a lot of love."

Speaking on his friend from the old cricket days, Sidhu said, "Imran is like gold. Even if you throw him in fire, he will emerge stronger and more polished. He is very refined." Answering a question about Imran's political promises, Sidhu said that the next six months will show how the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman will live up to the promises.

When asked what he brought for Imran, Sidhu said "loads of love, prayers and a Kashmiri shawl with traditional work. I wear it as well, and I had to find a similar one to gift him. It is a symbol of love."

The Indian politician also recited a few words he had written for the occasion. "Le ke aaya pegham mohabbatan da, layi jind mei naam mohabbatan da. Sadi rooh te nahi daag koi, bas kuch ae ilzaam mohabbatan da. Pehr-e-daar hain wafain di. Asaan rakhay tamam mohabbatan de. Chuko chuko, aaj yaari de kadam chuko, chuko chuko ae jaam jira je hosh karday. Ae jam mohabbatan da."

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[I have come with the message of love, my life is dedicated for 'love'. There are no stains on my soul, just a few accusations made by love. I am the guardian of loyalty, and I keep it all for love. Lift, life your feet towards friendship. Lift, lift this intoxication which will bring you to sanity. This intoxication is of love.]

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