The Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan Dr. Sarfraz Ahmed Khan Sipra extended a warm invitation to all Sri Lankan cricket lovers to journey to Pakistan and support the Lion nation at the upcoming Sri Lanka – Pakistan tour that is scheduled to commence later on this month.
The Acting High Commissioner expressed these sentiments to an Ada Derana reporter while attending the Commemoration Ceremony held in honour of the 52nd Defence Day of Pakistan at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo yesterday (6).
When questioned on the security concerns clouding over the tour, Dr.Sipra stated that the government of Pakistan had taken comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of all Sri Lankan players and supporters. He stated that the year in which the unfortunate shooting occurred had the highest concentration of terrorist activity within Pakistan.
The 2009 attack on the Sri Lanka national cricket team occurred on 3 March 2009, when a bus carrying Sri Lankan cricketers, part of a larger convoy, was fired upon by 12 gunmen, near the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan. The cricketers were on their way to play the third day of the second Test against the Pakistani cricket team. Six members of the Sri Lanka national cricket team were injured. Six Pakistani policemen and two civilians were killed.
The Acting High Commissioner stated that the Military along with political forces tirelessly conducted anti-terrorist operations post 2009 to make Pakistan a safe and cultured nation once again. He stated that a consistent National Action Plan was adopted to curb the extremists within the nation.
Dr.Sipra further went on to state that the state was ‘clean’ and completely devoid of extremists. He reinforced his statements by quoting the Defence Advisor for the High Commission of Pakistan Colonel Sajjad Ali who in his address stated that terrorism has been completely eradicated in Pakistan.
Reminiscing on the time tested bond between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the Acting High Commissioner stated that he greatly appreciated the valor of the 2009 Sri Lankan cricket team that was determined to play on in Pakistan, despite the unfortunate terrorist incident they were involved in. He stated that their act of bravery illustrated the strong relationship that exists between the two-nations.
The Acting High Commissioner went on to state that Pakistan followed the example of Sri Lanka and took decisive steps to end terrorism. “We followed your steps and ended terrorism. Terrorism was plaguing Sri Lanka and you were able to end it. Through the grace of God Pakistan is now safe again” he said.
When questioned on the security measures that will be adopted, Dr.Sipra stated that sufficient security will be detailed throughout the duration of the tour and that there will be no room for any extremists, or terrorists to conduct malicious acts against any of the Sri Lankan people.
He further mentioned that several high-profile cricketing events were conducted in Pakistan following the 2009 shooting. The Pakistan Premier League, Zimbabwe tour and the upcoming World XI match stand as pillars for the progress Pakistan has made.
On a buoyant note, the Acting High Commissioner stated that he extends an invitation to his favourite Sri Lankan Cricketer, Arjuna Ranatunga who is beloved by the People of Pakistan to attend the tour and witness the splendor of the country. He also stated that the present is the best time to rekindle the old cricketing ties that existed between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He encouraged increased encounters between the two teams to promote unity and competitiveness.
Speaking on behalf of the nation, Dr.Sipra stated that the people of Pakistan were hungry for quality international cricket. “Pakistan loves cricket. When Sri Lanka tours, it’s a treat for the people” he said. He also urged the Sri Lankan populace not to misunderstand past events and journey to ‘safe and secure’ Pakistan to be a part of a much awaited encounter.
