Islamabad, Aug 18 (IANS): Former Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu on Saturday said that he hopes ties between New Delhi and Islamabad will improve after his "friend" Imran Khan was sworn in as Pakistan's 22nd Prime Minister.

Wearing a blue suit and a pink turban, Sidhu was among the notable guests invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief at the Aiwan-e-Sadr (the President House) in Islamabad.

He was also seen hugging Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa prior to the ceremony.

Praising Khan while speaking to the state-run PTV, Sidhu said: "A new morning is here in Pakistan with a new government which can change the destiny of the country." He hoped that Khan's victory would be good for the peace process between the two neighbours.

"I have come to Pakistan on my friend's (Imran) invitation. These are very special moments," he had said after arriving in the country on Friday.

"Athletes and artists erase distances (between countries)... I have come here bearing the message of love, and prayers for Pakistanis."

"Hindustan jeevey, Pakistan jeevey!" Sidhu chanted as he welcomed the "change" in the country brought about by the advent of the Imran Khan-led government.