India denies info on terror threat to World Cup

Islamabad may have claimed the arrest of an unidentified terrorist planning to target the cricket World Cup, but neither Pakistan nor Interpol has shared information with India about a possible threat.

As per media reports, the terrorist arrested in Pakistan had planned to target a venue in Sri Lanka.

Pakistani interior minister Rehman Malik and Interpol secretary general Ronald Noble both claimed with the arrest, occurrence of a terrorist act had been prevented.

Reports also claimed that Pakistan had briefed India on the terror threat. A home ministry official, however, said nothing had been shared with India regarding the arrest in a joint operation by Pakistani security agencies and Interpol. “We have seen a press release on the Interpol website in this connection. But nobody has formally informed us about either a threat perception or possible Taliban infiltration, as claimed by Malik, to disturb World Cup matches,” he said.

Not even the identity of the terrorist or the outfit he belongs to has been shared, the official said.

Nevertheless, the government is taking all steps to secure the Indo-Pakistan semifinal in Mohali. All Pakistani nationals coming to watch the match will be closely monitored. India has decided to issue 5,000 visas to Pakistanis on production of match tickets. The official said all visitors from across the border will be under surveillance once they enter Indian territory.