ISLAMABAD/LAHORE – Thousands of cricket lovers on Wednesday assembled in front of big screens installed by Capital Development Authority (CDA) in various parts of the capital city to show the Pakistan-India semi-final match of World Cup 2011.
The screens were installed at F-9 Fatima Jinnah Park, in Blue area on Stock Exchange building and in Jinnah Super Market. The civic body has made elaborate arrangement to show the World Cup 2011 semi final between India and Pakistan to the general public on big screen at Fatima Jinnah Park.
Security arrangements were also made across the city. The main road from Blue Area Khyber plaza to Kalsoom plaza remained closed during the match hours as thousands of residents were gathered in front of the Islamabad Stock Exchange to watch the match.
Cricket lovers talking to Pakistan Today said that they were watching the match on big screens in big gathering to express unity and to pray that the national heroes will bring laurels for the country. They said that we have invited people to come to watch Pak-India match on big screen at the F-9 Park.
Special prayers were offered in mosques and at homes and people recited verses from the Holy Quran, all the while praying to God to guide the Pakistani team to victory. Motorists listened to the commentary on their car radios and shouted out the latest score to passers-by at a busy intersection in Islamabad.
In Lahore also, 10,000 thronged the Gaddafi stadium to witness the match on large screens. The entry was free and people formed long queues to get in. Across the border in India , many people missed work to watch the “clash of titans”.
No terror, no fear in Peshawar
PESHAWAR – Complete hush prevailed over Peshawar’s busiest commercial centers and government offices which was only broken by the cheers of cricket lovers when the Pakistani team took Indian wickets at regular interval.
Busy roads, covering which normally takes hours, were empty as Peshawarites were either in their homes to watch the match or were enjoying the match on the big screen displayed at Qayum Stadium. Provincial Sports Minister Syed Ail Shah was also among the hundreds of cricket fans fully involved in the match.
The city which has always been a target of terrorism and militancy was giving a totally different look as everyone stood side-by-side to support their team. Tight security measures were also taken to avoid any mishap on the occasion. Spectators cheered their team in the ‘do or die’ match with the archrival India.
The attendance was almost none right from the morning. Government servants did not mind coming for the half-day that was on today. Commercial centers were also closed down while some hotels and restaurant arranged mega screens for the cricket match. The intra-city and inter-cities transport services were also at a stand-still and those on the roads faced difficulties in finding rides to their destinations. HAQ NAWAZ KHAN
Tribes were ready for celebration
MIRANSHAH – Tribesmen were cleaning their guns and collecting explosives for celebratory fire on Wednesday to prepare for Pakistan beating India in the cricket World Cup semi-final.
The North Waziristan region ground to a halt like cities and towns across the country. Awash with light and heavy weapons, the tribal belt – described by Washington as the most dangerous place in the world – is cricket-crazy like rest of Pakistan.
Markets, schools and offices were closed in the region’s main town Miranshah and many made special arrangements to watch the much-hyped match on large screens. Tribesmen who consider the country’s honour is at stake were seen cleaning their weapons for aerial firing should Pakistan win, witnesses said.
“I am going to sacrifice this for the Pakistan team,” tribesman Hayatullah Jan told AFP as he dragged a sheep. “India is our traditional rival, we should beat it on every front. In today’s match also I want to see them humbled by the Pakistan side,” said Shumal Khan.
Tribal elder Malik Amir Khan said he intended to invite the Pakistan team to Waziristan after they had won the World Cup in India. “This will help them enjoy our hospitality and also understand that we are not terrorists, we are Muslims and victims of US drone attacks,” he said. AFP
