LAHORE – Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu Friday reachedPakistan to attend the oath-taking ceremony of prime minister-in-waitingImran Khan.

Talking to reporters in Lahore, Sidhu recited several poetic verses inwhich he wished for better relations between Pakistan and India and praisedImran Khan. “I’m here as a friend and not any political personality. I’vecome to Pakistan as a messenger of peace and goodwill. May the ties betweentwo countries flourish,” he said.

Sidhu, a contemporary of Imran Khan in the ‘80s, lavished praise on thePakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, saying Imran remained defiant againstall odds. “I’ve seen him change weaknesses intro strengths. He would make aladder of success out of mountains of difficulties. This is what Pakistanneeds today,” he added.

Sidhu was granted visa on Monday by the Pakistani High Commission in NewDelhi. He confirmed the development during his telephonic conversation withPTI Senator Faisal Javed Khan.