Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that Bangladeshi cricket team’s arrival in Pakistan for a Test match is the proof that Pakistan is completely safe for such activities.

She expressed these views during her visit to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday where she watched the game on the second day of the Test and also had a detailed interaction with sports journalists of the twin cities. She said, “Prime Minister Imran Khan is keenly involved in sports activities and Pakistan’s cricket grounds are once again hosting international cricket because of his tireless efforts. This is a very clear message to the world.”

Without naming India, she said: “Some countries tried to isolate Pakistan and deprive Pakistanis of the Bangladesh series, but the Bangladesh team toured Pakistan. I salute the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Pakistan Cricket Board, the government and the prime minister for making it happen.” She said the world must understand that Pakistan is a peaceful country and a responsible nuclear power. “We know how to welcome our distinguished guests. Today, I am really happy to see a huge crowd at the stadium. This is the real face of Pakistan,” she said.

She said, “I can understand that people who live around the stadium might have faced some problems, but such minor problems are pretty bearable for the sake of a national cause. I thank all locals and assure them that routine life will not be disrupted during cricket matches very soon.”

“I was a cricketer,” she said in response to a question. “Had I not been in politics, I would have been coach of the women’s team. Sialkot is the hub of cricket and most players in the national team came from Sialkot. I know it is very important to start international cricket in Sialkot as well. If it is not possible to host men’s cricket, I will make sure at least Pakistani women’s team plays a match at Sialkot Stadium. Here is my answer to people who questioned my meetings with the PCB chairman. I met Ehsan Mani twice to discuss revival of international cricket in Sialkot,” she said.

She said that sports venues filled with athletes give a very clear message to the world. “Sports is the only thing, which unites the world. Those who did propaganda against Pakistan have been exposed today. I thank the Bangladesh team once again for coming to play in Pakistan. Those who conspired to destroy cricket in Pakistan have met their own fate. We will fully restore cricket as well as many other games in Pakistan. The prime minister understands importance of sports and he is fully committed to the cause. Sports journalists have a key role in promoting the national image. Until and unless they show the world the real picture, the world won’t realise how safe Pakistan is for the ICC and other international events.”

She said the prime minister had formed committees for the upcoming South Asian Games (SAG), which Pakistan will host. “We will hold the games in a befitting manner,” she said. She described sports journalists as stakeholders and asked them to give their input for improvement.

When asked about restoration of Pakistan’s cricketing ties with India, Firdous said: “How can we even think of playing with India until they stop bloodshed in Kashmir? They have to stop killing innocent Kashmiris and lift the curfew. I want to make it very clear once again that we are a sports-loving, peaceful and friendly nation and we want to engage our youth in healthy activities. As per our prime minister’s vision, we want to engage the youth in different sports. Sports events will make the world a safer place. Our efforts for peace and the price we have paid for the world peace must be recognised and appreciated,” she said.