'If Navjot Singh Sidhu Contests Elections in Pakistan's Punjab, He'll Win': Imran Khan at Kartarpur Event
'I don't know why was Sidhu criticised (in India). He was just talking about peace. He can come and contest election here in Pakistan's Punjab, he'll win,' Khan said.
Lahore, November 28: Reciprocating with heaps of praises towards Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said the senior Congress leader has gained popularity in his country to an extent where he could win an election. Khan also expressed disappointment over Sidhu's criticism by the Indian media, calling it unfair and unsubstantiated.
"I don't know why was Sidhu criticised (in India). He was just talking about peace. He can come and contest election here in Pakistan's Punjab, he'll win," Khan said at the event marking the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor. Navjot Singh Sidhu Recites Poetry for Pakistan PM Imran Khan, Pitches For Train Line Till Peshawar.
According to Khan, the entire Pakistani establishment, including the Army wants peace with India. The only way to eliminate poverty in South Asia, he added, is for Islamabad and New Delhi to join hands for trade and economic cooperation.
"Countries like France and Germany have fought dozens of wars and killed thousands and thousands of people on either sides. When they can reconcile their differences, then what prevents us. Our only point of dispute is Kashmir," the Pakistani PM added.
Khan said the Kashmir issue will be resolved through dialogue. "When human can reach the moon, then there is nothing in the world they can't do. Every problem has a solution. And so does the issue of Kashmir," he added.
Khan asserted that India and Pakistan cannot further delay the process of talks. "The time has come to end the hostility forever... I hope we don't have to wait for Sidhu to become Indian PM for everlasting friendship between our nations," he said.
Further praising his cricket-era contemporary, Khan said Sidhu is among those politicians who would risk all his political stakes to promote peace, love and brotherhood among people. "He is not among those who would spread hatred among the masses to reap electoral dividends," the Prime Minister added.
Speaking at the event earlier, Sidhu said his "yaar-dildaar" Khan is a rare leader who could finally settle the differences between India and Pakistan. The Kartarpur corridor is a beginning, the Congress leader said, adding that he dreams of a day when a train line would connect the Indian side of Punjab with Peshawar via Lahore.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 28, 2018 05:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).