Sidhu cites examples of former PM's visit to Pakistan to shun controversy

Sidhu was lashed at by leaders from various parties after he hugged Pakistan Army Chief General Bajwa and later was made to sit next to President of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

image courtesy: ANI

New Delhi: After drawing much flak over his visit to Islamabad for Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s oath taking ceremony on Saturday, cricketer turned politician Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday hit back at government. Speaking of various past efforts from India’s end to mend relationships with Pakistan, Congress leader Sidhu said various leaders in the past have also made efforts to mend relations with Pakistan. “In the past also efforts for peace have been made, the late Vajpayee ji had taken 'dosti bus' to Lahore, invited Musharraf” he said. He further mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lahore after invitation from former PM Nawaz Sharif, saying “PM Modi invited Nawaz Sharif to oath-taking; he also went suddenly to Lahore”.

I received invitation 10 times. Then I sought permission from Indian government, I didn't get permission & was waiting. 2 days after Pakistan government gave visa, Sushma Swaraj Ji herself called me in the night & informed that I have been given permission: Navjot Singh Sidhu pic.twitter.com/FYOIYhVo0t

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018

“Many people from Congress have spoken on this including Captain Sahab. Its a democracy and everyone has the right to their opinion” he added. Lashing back at Sidhu, Bharatiya Janta Party spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "Navjot Singh Sidhu held a press conference on the direction of Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi can't run a parallel government in the country. Diplomacy is the prerogative of the central government".

Navjot Singh Sidhu held a press conference on the direction of Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi can't run a parallel government in the country. Diplomacy is the prerogative of the central government: Sambit Patra, BJP spokesperson https://t.co/DklVA2kRqn @sambitswaraj pic.twitter.com/A2LhepOCU4

— ABP News (@abpnewstv) August 21, 2018

Sidhu was lashed at by leaders from various parties after he hugged Pakistan Army Chief General Bajwa and later was made to sit next to President of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). During his visit Sidhu had claimed that his visit was a personal visit and he didn’t go as a politician but, as a friend.