Sri Lankan team likely to cut Pakistan tour short after Islamabad blast

Following the suicide attack outside Islamabad’s district courts, the Sri Lankan cricket team, currently on tour in Pakistan,  has reportedly requested to end the tour prematurely and return home.

In response, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with the team’s manager and other officials, assuring them of foolproof security arrangements during their stay in Pakistan.

Separately, during a meeting with Naqvi, Sri Lankan High Commissioner Rear Admiral (R) Fred Senewiratne expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements made for the Sri Lankan cricket team.

It is worth noting that a day earlier, a suicide bombing targeting a police vehicle outside the G-11 Kachehri in Islamabad had claimed the lives of 12 people and injured 27 others.

The attack occurred at a time when several high-profile international events were underway in the capital — including the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference and the 6th Margalla Dialogue — while a cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was being played in Rawalpindi.

According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the meeting between Mohsin Naqvi and Rear Admiral (R) Fred Senewiratne included a detailed briefing on the security measures provided to the Sri Lankan cricket team.

The Sri Lankan High Commissioner expressed full satisfaction over the arrangements and conveyed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the Islamabad terror attack.

Minister Mohsin Naqvi reaffirmed that the Sri Lankan players are state guests of Pakistan, assuring that foolproof security and all necessary measures have been ensured for their safety.