Home ministry officials, including security experts will shortly travel to Islamabad and other centres for an assessment of the security situation in Pakistan
NEW DELHI: Home ministry officials, including security experts will shortly travel to Islamabad and other centres for an assessment of the security situation in Pakistan before a final decision on the Indian cricket team’s tour of Pakistan in January is taken.
The security experts are expected to give their verdict in two weeks in view of the pre-match arrangements that are yet to be made.
The thought of the Indian cricket team touring Pakistan and vice-versa has always been a security nightmare for both governments. “Imagine what would happen if there is evem a scratch on Sachin Tendulkar? All the goodwill for better neighbourly ties will fly out of the window,” an official said on condition of anonymity.
The Pakistani government is also aware that any slight incident could boomerang into a major issue. “The risk is enormous. Those opposed to better ties between India and Pakistan are well aware of this,” another official, who did not wish to be identified, said.
It is precisely because of these fears that New Delhi and Islamabad are hassled as neither side wants the peace process, which is back on track after the Kabul embassy bombing, to be disrupted. Besides, despite the hiccups, India-Pakistan trade is picking up and now amounts to $2.8 billion, a major increase from the mere 200 million two-way trade three years ago. Unofficial trade figures are estimated to be over $6 billion.
During AB Vajpayee’s term, Bal Thackeray’s Shiv Sena had decided to dig up the pitch to ensure that the visiting Pakistan team will not play in India. The series however went ahead, with former captain Wasim Akhtar’s team getting a standing ovation in Chennai after they defeated India in the first match.
The security arrangement for the visitors was unprecedented, though the matches scheduled in Delhi and Mumbai were shifted to other venues.
g_seema@dnaindia.net
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