Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi revealed that Pakistan’s top security officials personally intervened to convince the Sri Lankan cricket team to continue their tour after concerns arose about safety.
Speaking to the media in Parliament, Naqvi said that following initial hesitation from the Sri Lankan side, Pakistan’s Field Marshal directly contacted Sri Lanka’s Defence Minister and Defence Secretary, assuring them of full security arrangements.
“The Sri Lankan authorities were told that Pakistan Army, Rangers, and police are fully managing the security,” the minister stated. “After these assurances, the Sri Lankan President himself spoke to the players and convinced them to continue the tour. The team members are our state guests and are being given full protocol and security,” he added.
Naqvi also praised the Sri Lankan players and cricket board for showing courage and trust in Pakistan’s security arrangements. “The Sri Lankan board left the decision to the players, and they bravely chose to stay and play. We are grateful to the Sri Lankan President, government, and board for their confidence,” he said.
The interior minister further disclosed that Afghan nationals were involved in both the Wana and Islamabad incidents, adding that the matter is being pursued at the governmental level.
It may be recalled that Sri Lanka is scheduled to play two remaining ODIs and participate in the upcoming Tri-Nation Series in Pakistan. The second ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played in Rawalpindi on November 14.
