ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Monday said the semi-final match played between Pakistan and India had proved a catalyst for improving relations between the two countries. The prime minister said this during a reception hosted by him in honour of the national cricket team at the PM House. Apart from the national cricket team, the ceremony was attended by Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ijaz Butt, coach Waqar Younis and assistant coach Aqib Javed. Prime Minister Gilani paid rich tribute to the cricket team for its performance in the World Cup that led them to the semi-finals. He announced Rs 1 million for each team player and Rs 500,000 for each member of the management.
Prime Minister Gilani praised the team for proving their mettle in difficult circumstances and overcoming the wave of “sports conspiracies”. The prime minister said the semi-final played between Pakistan and India in Mohali had brought the two governments and nations closer. “It is not a question of winning or losing by one country. In fact the winner is cricket and the people of Pakistan and India,” he said. He favoured the continuity of cricket matches between the two countries, which he said would help develop positive thinking.
The prime minister said sports was patronised at the regional level earlier, however, the present government was pursuing the policy of encouraging it at the national level. On devolving the Sports Ministry, Gilani said the decision was in accordance with the 18th Amendment which enjoyed the unopposed support of parliamentarians. Cricket captain Shahid Afridi said the upcoming tour to West Indies was important and youngsters had been given an opportunity to showcase their talent.
Meanwhile, the prime minister emphasized on carrying forward the devolution process in the true spirit to benefit the common man from 18th Amendment. Talking to Mian Raza Rabbani, minister for inter-provincial coordination and chairman of the implementation commission, Gilani reiterated that all political parties and stakeholders be regularly consulted to develop consensus in the implementation process.
