In a decisive move to address heightened security concerns, the Pakistani government has announced the deployment of army and paramilitary forces to ensure the safety of the Sri Lankan cricket team currently touring the country. This action comes directly after a deadly suicide bombing rocked the federal capital, Islamabad.
High-Level Assurances and Diplomatic Efforts
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), provided these details during a briefing in the Senate on Thursday. He revealed that the security of the visiting team is now a joint operation managed by the Pakistan Army, Rangers, and Islamabad police, who are providing a security protocol equivalent to that of state guests.
The minister explained that the continuation of the tour was the result of sustained engagement between the leadership of both nations. In a significant development, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir personally intervened, speaking directly with Sri Lanka's Defence Minister, Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon, and the Defence Secretary. Munir provided firm assurances regarding the team's safety, which played a pivotal role in convincing the Sri Lankan side.
Player Concerns and Presidential Intervention
Following the bombing, which was the first attack on civilians in Islamabad in a decade, several Sri Lankan players expressed serious concerns about their safety and reportedly asked to return home. The Sri Lanka Cricket Board acknowledged these requests but instructed the team to remain, citing "foolproof" security guarantees from Pakistani authorities.
Adding further weight to the decision, Sri Lankan President personally spoke to the cricket team on Wednesday, encouraging them to continue playing. The board also stated that any player opting to return prematurely would face a formal review of their actions.
The security situation is particularly sensitive given the proximity of the blast site. Both the cricket stadium in Rawalpindi and the team's hotel are located less than 10 kilometers from where the suicide bombing occurred.
National Assembly Appreciation and Broader Context
Meanwhile, the National Assembly of Pakistan formally expressed its gratitude. A resolution, tabled by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, thanked the President and government of Sri Lanka for their decision to continue the tour despite security threats.
The resolution also acknowledged the efforts of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif. This tour is crucial for Pakistan's sporting landscape, as Test cricket only resumed in the country in 2019 when Sri Lanka toured. The current visit includes a three-match ODI series in Rawalpindi and will be followed by a Twenty20 tri-series involving Zimbabwe.
