Dolphins from Pakistan to swim in Punjab waters

India-Pakistan animosity notwithstanding, dolphins and fish-eating Gharials may be next to "showcase" the bonhomie between Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu.

Imran and Sidhu are old friends from their cricketing days and share a good rapport. Despite being advised against going to Pakistan by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, Sidhu had attended the Imran's swearing-in last August.

Sidhu is now keen to have dozens of dolphins from Pakistan swim in Punjab's Beas river. In exchange, the Congress minister says, he will be offering fish-eating Gharials to Pakistan.

River Beas only has 8-10 dolphins, a survey conducted a few months ago revealed. Pakistan, Sidhu claims, does not have enough Gharials, so the exchange will be mutually beneficial.

Given the good rapport the two leaders share, the tourism between the two countries may soon see booming, sources said.

Sidhu claims part of the credit over the historical decision to open the Kartarpur Sahib corridor connecting Punjab and Pakistan.

The Sikh shrine in Kartarpur, just about 4 km from the Punjab border, was the place where the first Sikh Guru Nanak Dev spent the last years of his life.

Indian politicians have had an interest in animals from Pakistan even in the past.

Former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal had imported 'Neeli Ravi' buffaloes and bulls from Pakistan.

Former Pakistan chief minister Pervaiz Elahi had gifted two exotic horses named Sultan and Sunny to Capt Amarinder Singh.

Sultan died and Sunny remains a part of the Punjab police training academy.