SEAnews 2018-08-16 ArtNo.46312

【New Delhi】Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 30 reached out and called Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party chief Imran Khan, to congratulate him on PTI emerging as the single largest party in the recent Pakistan General Elections. PM Modi further expressed hope that democracy would take deeper roots in Pakistan.
　According to an official statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, Prime Minister also reiterated his vision of peace and development in the entire neighborhood.
　On the other hand, Pakistan's High Commissioner in New Delhi Sohail Mahmood said, "PM Modi's call to Imran Khan is a positive development, such steps will improve ties." during an event held at the country's chancery to mark the country's 72nd Independence Day on August 14.
　Khan is expected to take oath as Pakistan prime minister on August 18.

○Imran Khan opts for simple oath-taking ceremony, not to invite foreign leaders

【Islamabad】Imran Khan has decided against inviting foreign leaders and celebrities to his oath taking ceremony as Pakistan’s prime minister as he wants to keep the event very simple, according to a media report.
　Mr. Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the single largest party in the elections held on July 25. The 65-year-old leader is expected to take oath on August 11. His party had initially planned to invite several foreign leaders and personalities, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan and Indian cricketers like Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavasker and Navjot Singh Sidhu to the event. However, in an apparent change of heart on Thursday, Mr. Khan opted against a fancy ceremony, Dawn newspaper reported.
　“The PTI chairman has directed to stage the oath taking event with austerity,” the daily quoted PTI spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry as saying. “He will take his oath in a simple ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr [President House]. It has been decided that no foreign personalities will be invited to the ceremony — it will be a completely national event. Only a few close friends of Imran Khan will be invited. There will be no show of extravagance at the event,” Mr. Chaudhry said. “A few of Imran’s friends are the only foreign nationals being invited to the event,” he added.
　President Mamnoon Hussain will administer him the oath of the office. After his party’s victory in the elections, Mr. Khan has pledged to take austerity measures to save taxpayers money. He had announced that he would not move into the Prime Minister’s House and a final decision on the fate of the building would be decided by the party.

○Kapil, Sidhu pin hopes on Imran Khan

【New Delhi】Former cricketers Kapil Dev and Navjot Singh Sidhu are looking forward to attending the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
　Mr. Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had said it would send formal invitations to Mr. Sidhu and Mr. Dev, besides former Test star Sunil Gavaskar, and Bollywood actor Aamir Khan for the swearing-in.
　Mr. Kapil Dev told The Hindu, "It's an honour to be invited and I would love to go, subject to government approval. Imran is a friend, and it feels nice to see him achieve his dream of leading his nation."
　Mr. Sidhu echoed the sentiments. "A cricketer has risen to this status and it is good news for both nations. If the government permits me, I would like to go for the function," he said. Reflecting on his relationship with Mr. Khan, the former India captain said, "I know he has a strong character and I know he will strive to do good for his people."
　"He was always concerned with the cause of the common people. I expect Imran to build infrastructure that will change the face of his nation," Mr. Dev said.
　Mr. Sidhu remembered his first meeting with Mr. Khan at Faridabad in 1987. "His first ball hit me and he rushed to me and advised me to breathe deep and relax. He earned my respect that day. We spent time on the field against each other and together in the commentators' box and I found him to be a man of vision and concern for his country. His cancer hospital, which offers free treatment, is the greatest gift anyone could think of giving to his country."
　Mr. Dev was positive that Mr. Khan's elevation as Prime Minister would help in improving relations between India and Pakistan. "Co-existing peacefully would be good for India and Pakistan and Imran can achieve that. He was instrumental in bringing neutral umpires in cricket to ensure fair supervision. I am sure Imran will be able to convince the Army to look at things differently."
　Mr. Sidhu, now part of the Congress government in Punjab, said, "Imran wants to bring in changes. For him, politics is a mission and I know he will succeed. He can convert weaknesses into strengths because he has the charisma to do it. He was an exemplary player and I know he will be an impeccable leader to remove the acrimony between the two nations."
　On cricket playing its role in India-Pakistan relations after Mr. Khan takes over as Prime Minister, Mr. Dev noted, "Honestly, cricket is a very small instrument. It is the will of the governments and here I am sure Imran can help the two nations build the bridge of peace. It will help if both the countries spend less on defence and more on improving the overall infrastructure. If the two Koreas can do it, why not India and Pakistan? I would like Imran to work in this direction."

【News source】

PM Modi Congratulates PTI Chief Imran Khan Ahead Of Swearing In As Pakistan PM

PM Modi's call to Imran Khan after polls is a positive development, such steps will improve ties: Pakistan envoy Sohail Mahmood

Imran Khan opts for simple oath-taking ceremony, not to invite foreign leaders

Kapil, Sidhu pin hopes on Imran Khan

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