The Hindu : Pakistan assures high security for Kiwis

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Apr 18, 2002

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Sport - Cricket

Pakistan assures high security for Kiwis

Karachi April 17. Pakistani authorities have promised ``foolproof'' security for New Zealand cricketers who arrive here on Thursday on a tour postponed following the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.

``We have made all-out efforts to make sure the New Zealand team gets the best available security through best interaction of the administration and law enforcing agencies,'' Pakistan Cricket Board director Brigadier Munawwar Rana said on Wednesday.

Pakistan's assurances convinced New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to reschedule the tour, originally planned for September-October last year. NZC cricket manager Jeff Crowe visited Pakistan last month to assess security facilities ahead of the tour.

The tourists are due to play three one-day internationals and two Tests. Rana said local authorities were also looking out for trouble associated with a controversial presidential referendum on April 30.

Major political parties have planned protests against the vote, which will decide whether military ruler General Pervez Musharraf should stay as president for five years.

``We are conscious of the referendum and security people know what is required during the next 20 to 25 days,'' Rana said.

Pakistan's blistering summer heat is another factor which has been taken into account, he said.

``As for the heat the tourists made special requests for air conditioners in the dressing rooms and ice tubs which are already in place,'' Rana said.

New Zealand will play its first match in the volatile port city of Karachi on Sunday, where U.S. journalist Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and executed by Islamic extremists earlier this year.

``We have made fool proof arrangements for the teams and for the match and paramilitary troops will also coordinate with the city police,'' Karachi police chief Asad Jahangir said.

Troops will patrol the National Stadium during the match and the New Zealanders' hotels will be tightly guarded. ``No one will be allowed on the floor where the tourists will stay,'' Jahangir said. — AFP

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