A full flow of bonhomie between Imran Khan and Navjot Sidhu

It was a full flow of bonhomie between two cricketers-turned-politicians Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Navjot Singh Sidhu, Minister of Local Government, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Punjab, at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor held at Shakargarh in Narowal district of Pakistan on Wednesday, November 28.

The two left no chance of praising and giving credit to each other for making the dream (opening the Kartarpur corridor of the Sikhs true) possible after 70 years of partition.

Navjot Singh Sidhu while addressing the gathering recited poetry in praise of Imran Khan saying, “My yaar, dildaar Imran Khan has kept his promise and ended 70 years of wait for the Kartarpur Corridor”.

Both the countries have seen a lot of bloodshed and violence till date and now governments of both the nations – Indian and Pakistan - should move ahead to restore peace following the opportunity provided by Baba Nanak ji, claimed Sidhu and added,

He also thanked the Indian government for giving approval for the corridor and fulfilling the wishes of scores of Sikhs.

Appreciating Navjot Singh Sidhu’s efforts for taking the issue at the right time, Imran Khan recalled the days when they used to play crickets against each others. He said, “I am surprised to hear Sidhu’s speech as a politician. As a cricketer Sidhu was one of those cricketers who took risks and never scared of defeat.”

Imran Khan said, “I heard that Sidhu had to face a lot of criticism when he returned (to India) after attending my oath-taking ceremony. I don't know why he was criticized ? He just talked about peace, harmony and brotherhood”.

Imran Khan went on to claim, “Sidhu is so popular here in Pakistan and can win elections. I hope we do not have to wait for Sidhu to become Prime Minister to carry on peace talks.”

However, what has many raised many eyebrows was the presence of Presence of Gopal Singh Chawla, a Pro-Khalistan leader.

Many were stunned when a pro-Khalistan leader Gopal Singh Chawla was seen shaking hands with Pakistan Army Chief Gen, Qamar Javed Bajwa at the sidelines of the Kartarpur Corridor ground breaking ceremony. Chawla is believed to be a close associated of Hafiz Saeed, a Pakistani Islamist militant and a cofounder of Lashkar-e-Taiba.

According to reports, Chawla is general secretary of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) and was invited to the function organised for the Sikh Community by the Pakistan government officials.

Chawla’s name had come up investigations into the recent grenade attack at Nirankari Bhawan in Amritsar.