Homeland Security

Pakistan FM: Enemies attack Pakistan- Sri Lanka friendship

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, March 4, IRNA -- The Foreign Ministry, strongly condemning the terror attack on the Sri Lankan Cricket Team in Lahore, said on Tuesday 'the attack was perpetrated by the enemies of Pakistan-Sri Lanka friendship'.

At least 5 policemen and two other people were killed and two cricket players of Sri Lanka were injured when unidentified gunmen threw explosives and opened fire at the players’ bus and their police guards in Lahore, the city police chief said.

“Full investigation is being carried out into the attack and the perpetrators of this heinous crime would be given exemplary punishment,” the Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

Abdul Basit said in a statement that a special investigation team has been constituted for this purpose.

“The government is making necessary arrangements for the safe return of the cricket team to Sri Lanka and is in touch with Sri Lankan authorities”.

He said Pakistan greatly values its relations with Sri Lanka and the two countries have maintained close, cordial and mutually supportive relationship which is based on mutual trust and interest in preserving regional peace, security and stability.

Lankan HC: The Sri Lankan High commission in Islamabad on Tuesday issued the details of terrorists attack on Sri Lankan Cricket Team in Lahore.

A Commission statement said, "while the Sri Lankan Cricket Team were leaving from the Pearl Continental Hotel around 9.00 a.m., for Lahore Qaddafi Stadium, unidentified persons opened fire at the escort vehicle which provides security for the Sri Lankan Cricket Team and the bus, which the Team were travelling for their 3rd day Test Match".

Third secretary of Sri Lankan High Commission Ranaweera Arachchi reading out a statement to reporters said the following members of the Sri Lankan Team have received minor injuries including Kumar Sangakhara, Ajantha Mendis, Suranga Lakmal and Thilina Thushara and Assistant Coach Mr. Paul Fabrace.

"Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana were admitted to the Lahore Hospital. "

He said Sri Lankan High Commission has been communicating with the Pakistan Cricket Board, Pakistan Air Force and relevant organizations to secure the members of the crocket team.

He said that the High Commission has already taken decision to send the Cricket Team back to Sri Lanka as soon as possible.

International Cricket Council: Tِhe International Cricket Council (ICC) condemned attack on players of Sri Lankan team in Lahore and described the incident as very upsetting for the wider cricket family.

“We note with dismay and regret the events of this morning in Lahore and we condemn this attack without reservation,” Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat of the ICC in a statement.