'PM should use India trip to resume bilateral series'

Karachi, Mar 29 (PTI) Pakistan's top ruling and
opposition leaders have urged Prime Minister Yousuf Raza
Gilani to use his trip to India for the World Cup semi-final
to open the doors for international cricket's return to the
country.
The politicians said Gilani should ask his Indian
counterpart Manmohan Singh to help Pakistan cricket by
clearing the way for a short tour by the Indian cricket team
to Pakistan.
"This opportunity should not be wasted. Pakistan
cricket has suffered a lot because of foreign teams not
visiting the country since the attack on the Sri Lankan team
in Lahore.
"But now this is a good opportunity for us to urge the
Indians to tour Pakistan if not for a series but for just one
or two matches as it will pave the way for other teams to
resume touring Pakistan," said PML Q leader, Tariq Azeem, also
a former minister.
Azeem said cricket had always played a positive role
in bridging the gap between the two countries and it can yet
again be used to restore international cricket in Pakistan.
A senior Pakistan Peoples Party leader and former
Senator, Enver Baig also backed Azeem's proposal.
"This is a good platform for the Prime Minister to
talk about cricket matters with his Indian counterpart and the
Indians can definitely help us by coming to Pakistan for a
match or two."
Baig said India should be convinced to organise a
short series later this year where they come to Pakistan for a
few days and then the Pakistan team tours India for a few
matches.
"If the Indians support this proposal it will be a big
initiative for Pakistan cricket," Baig said.
Ehsan Iqbal, a PML Nawaz group leader, also felt that
the Prime Minister should use this visit to do some good for
Pakistan cricket.
"Cricket has always been a unifying force in Pakistan
and everyone, including politicians, is looking forward to the
big match. The Prime Minister should talk to the Indian
authorities about revival of bilateral ties."
The cricket fever in Pakistan, ahead of the
much-anticipated match, is also affecting the usual business
of the government.
An official of the National Assembly Public Accounts
Committee had announced that a meeting of the committee
scheduled for Wednesday had been postponed due to the match.
Meanwhile sources said that Afridi had complained to
the PM about the statement made by interior minister, Rehman
Malik, about the government keeping a close watch on the
team's activities.
"Afridi conveyed the disappointment of the players
over Malik's statement," a source said.
Shahbaz, the Chief Minister of Punjab province, has
announced that each player would be gifted agricultural land
by the government if they manage to win the semi-final.