Appreciating his attendance, Khan in a series of tweets said Sidhu was an ambassador of peace & was given amazing love & affection by people of Pakistan.
However, Khan believed that “those in India who targeted him are doing a great disservice to peace in the subcontinent” adding “without peace our people cannot progress.”
Khan’s comments have eventuated at a time when Sidhu has been receiving severe flak for going to Pakistan and hugging its Army chief. His own chief minister Capt. Amarinder Singh expressed displeasure.
Sidhu attended the swearing-in ceremony of his friend former Cricketer Imran Khan as the Prime Minister of Pakistan in Islamabad on August 18. Other former India cricketers like Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar refused to attend the function.
“My brief visit to Pakistan has emerged a big talking point. In this regard, I would definitely like to clear certain things. The visit to Pakistan was not political in any way but just a warm invitation from a friend (Imran Khan).”
“That friend, who went through immense hard work and struggle in life. The one, who reached a position, which is respected and holds capability of changing fate of crores of people, Sidhu said today.
On his meeting with Gen Bajwa, Sidhu said, "I again want to make it clear that this meeting took place in Islamabad at a time when Gen Bajwa reached the venue of swearing-in ceremony."
According to a news agency PTI report, the Congress leader claimed that crores of pilgrims have always been waiting to pay obeisance at holy Kartarpur Sahib, the place where Guru Nanak Devi ji spent nearly 18 years of his life.
"Without a thought, this thing said by Gen Bajwa was an emotional moment for me and the result (the hug) was for everyone to see. After that brief meeting in the gathering, I had no meeting with Gen Bajwa," he said.
Sidhu said, he, however, is disappointed and hurt over the criticism over this sudden meeting and "emotional reaction".
Meanwhile, Sidhu also said if India and Pakistan can settle their differences through talks, become good neighbours and increase mutual exchanges in trade and other aspects, then it will be a great hope and message for South Asia.