Sidhu will attend Imran Khan's swearing-in, says it's an honor for him

Responding to Pakistan Prime Minister in waiting Imran Khan's invitation for the swearing-in, cricketer turned politician Navjot Singh Sidhu confirmed on Thursday that he has accepted the invitation.

Sidhu said that the invitation received was not political but personal.

Referring to the estranged relations between India and Pakistan Sidhu said he respected the foreign policy of the government and the country but " this was a personal invitation".

He also expressed hopes for the political tenure of Imran Khan and said that Imran had risen from scratch in politics and exhibited a great character.

He said, "He has risen from scratch in politics, he has exhibited great character. I see him as a ray of hope".

"Its a huge honour for me. Its a personal invitation( for Imran Khan's swearing-in) from him and not a political one", he added.

"I respect the foreign policy of the Govt and the country, but this is a personal invitation(Imran Khan's swearing in). I believe sportspersons and artists break barriers", Sidhu added.

Sidhu was among other personalities who had reportedly been invited by Khan to attend his oath-taking ceremony.

Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has emerged as the single-largest party in the National Assembly after last week's general election in the neighbouring country.

Khan had said he would take oath as Pakistan's prime minister on August 11. 

(With inputs from Agencies)