Opposition in Punjab slams Navjot Singh Sidhu for Pakistan visit

Cricket-turned-politician, Navjot Singh Sidhu came under attack on Sunday as he hugged Pakistan army chief during the swearing ceremony of the newly elected prime minister of Pakistan and his old friend Imran Khan.

The opposition in Punjab asked whether it was necessary to visit Pakistan while the nation is mourning for the demise of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Punjab BJP chief Shwait Malik described his visit as "shameful", and  Shiromani Akali Dal said that Sidhu has broken the "decorum" by visiting Pakistan.

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Malik further called Sidhu an opportunist and slammed him as he accused Sidhu of putting the nation's dignity at risk.

The BJP leader has further demanded an apology from Sidhu for the "unacceptable act."

The main opposition, Aam Aadmi Party also condemned the visit.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan on Saturday took oath as the 22nd prime minister of Pakistan, a day after he defeated Shahbaz Sharif in a one-sided contest in the National Assembly.

Sidhu -- Cabinet minister in the Amarinder Singh-led Congress government in Punjab -- was invited to the event reached Lahore via the Wagah border on Friday. From there he then travelled to Islamabad for the event.

As Sidhu arrived at the Resident House for the swearing ceremony, he was welcomed by Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa on Saturday where both hugged each other during the welcoming.

Sidhu then sat next to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) president Masood Khan.  

Welcoming the "change" in Pakistan's democracy with the election of Khan as prime minister, Sidhu said Khan should come forward in peace initiative between the two neighbours.

He said he has brought "a message of love" to Pakistan as a goodwill ambassador of India.

"I have come here not as a politician but as a friend. I have come here to take part in the happiness of my friend (Imran)," he said, adding sportsmen and artistes help bringing the people of two sides closer.