Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended Pakistan’s decision to skip its T20 World Cup match against India, describing it as a carefully thought-out move and emphasizing the country’s solidarity with Bangladesh, which had withdrawn from the tournament over security concerns.
Although Pakistan’s team was cleared to continue in the World Cup, it was barred from playing India in the highly anticipated match on February 15 in Colombo.
Speaking to the federal cabinet, the prime minister stressed that sports should remain separate from politics and said Pakistan’s position was deliberate and principled. “We have taken a clear stance that we will not play against India. Sports must be free from political influence, and we should fully support Bangladesh. This is the right decision,” he remarked.
Turning to the recent wave of attacks in Balochistan, PM Shehbaz said that security forces had eliminated 180 terrorists, though 17 personnel and 31 civilians lost their lives.
He highlighted the particularly heart-wrenching attack in Gwadar, where women and children were killed, calling the perpetrators “stonehearted” and devoid of humanity.
The premier paid tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to look after their families.
He warned that despite Pakistan’s victory in its May 2025 conflict with India, external adversaries and internal extremists continue to threaten the country, but he vowed that terrorism would ultimately be wiped out.
“The nation stands united like an iron wall alongside its law enforcement agencies and army. One day, these sacrifices will bear fruit, and terrorism will be completely eliminated,” he said.
The premier also addressed Pakistan’s role in easing tensions between Iran and the United States, saying that he, the deputy prime minister, and military leadership had been in contact with Iranian officials. He noted that countries like Qatar, Egypt, Oman, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other Islamic nations had also contributed to diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis peacefully.
“We have played our full role as a responsible brother, seeking dialogue to prevent threats and establish peace in the region,” he explained.
On the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, he said cities across Pakistan, from Peshawar to Karachi, would mark the day with various activities, and he himself would visit Azad Jammu and Kashmir to deliver a message of national unity and support for the Kashmiri people.
The prime minister also discussed his meeting with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, describing it as productive and cordial.
He reiterated his support for the province, recognizing its people’s bravery and sacrifices. The prime minister recalled that the 2010 National Finance Commission award had set aside funds for K-P to address terrorism-related challenges, adding that the province had received Rs800 billion over the years.
PM Shehbaz said he had asked the planning and finance ministers to resolve any pending payments. CM Afridi assured him of progress on the Safe City project, and the prime minister expressed hope that these discussions would lead to concrete results.