The bonhomie between Imran Khan and Navjot Sidhu was in full flow in Pakistan today hours after India refused to attend the SAARC summit there, citing continuing cross-border terror. Mr Sidhu, who had triggered a raging controversy back home with his decision to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, hailed Mr Khan as his "Yaar Dildaar" (dear friend) and thanked him for giving a green signal to the corridor, which has been on the wishlist of India's Sikhs for decades. The Pakistan Prime Minister responded with a sugary barb. "I hope we don't have to wait for Sidhu to become India's Prime Minister for the two countries to become friends," Mr Khan said. "As a cricketer Navjot was someone who took risks, never was scared of failing. He is not one of those politicians who are selfish," Mr Khan said. He also raised the subject of the criticism Mr Sidhu had to face back home when he went to Pakistan to attend his oath ceremony in August.
