ISLAMABAD (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday defended the government’s decision to boycott Pakistan’s T20 World Cup match against India, stressing that there should be no politics in sports.
Addressing the federal cabinet in Islamabad in remarks broadcast live, the prime minister said Pakistan had taken a clear and carefully considered stance not to play the match against India in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“There should be no politics in sports,” PM Shehbaz said, adding that the decision was taken after thorough deliberation and was appropriate under the circumstances.
It may be recalled that on Sunday, the government approved Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 but decided that the national team would not play its scheduled match against arch-rivals India on February 15 in Colombo. The decision followed Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the tournament amid heightened tensions with India, one of the event’s co-hosts.
At the outset of his address, the prime minister spoke about the recent wave of terrorist attacks in Balochistan. He said that within three to four days, 180 terrorists were eliminated, while 17 security personnel embraced martyrdom and 31 civilians lost their lives.
Referring to an incident in Gwadar, PM Shehbaz said five women and children were martyred, calling it a heartbreaking tragedy. “These terrorists are not human,” he said.
The prime minister said the nation would never forget the sacrifices of its security forces, adding that since Marka-i-Haq — Pakistan’s brief military confrontation with India last year — the country’s eastern neighbour and other khawarij had been conspiring against Pakistan’s progress and prosperity. Khawarij is the term used by the state for members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.
He vowed that terrorism would be completely eradicated and that Pakistan would succeed on the path of development. He said the nation must remember how terrorists targeted women, children and innocent people trying to earn a livelihood.
“This is a tragic moment and the entire nation is grieving, but it stands firmly with its law enforcement agencies and the Pakistan armed forces,” he said, adding that the day would come when these sacrifices would bear fruit and terrorism would be eliminated from the country.
Turning to regional diplomacy, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan had played a brotherly role amid tensions involving Iran. He said he, the deputy prime minister and the army chief had met Iranian leadership on several occasions and also held telephone conversations aimed at easing tensions.
He expressed hope that dialogue would pave the way for peace and regional stability.
Speaking about Kashmir Day on February 5, the prime minister said the nation, from Peshawar to Karachi, would express solidarity with the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir. He said rallies and events would be held across the country and announced that he would personally visit Azad Kashmir to convey a message of unity on behalf of the entire nation.
PM Shehbaz also spoke about his recent interaction with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, saying he had congratulated him on his election and assured him of full federal support regardless of political affiliation.
He said he reminded the KP chief minister that Pakistan comes before politics and acknowledged the sacrifices made by the people of the province. Referring to the 2010 National Finance Commission award, the prime minister said Rs800 billion was allocated to KP for counterterrorism, security and policing, but results had yet to be fully realised.
He noted that the Safe City project in the province remained incomplete and said he had directed the planning minister, finance minister and finance secretary to meet the KP chief minister and resolve any delays in payments.
