Mohali match was catalyst in improving Indo-Pak ties

Rezaul H Laskar
Islamabad (PTI) - Prime Minister Yousuf Raza
Gilani on Monday said that the semi-final match between India
and Pakistan in the cricket World Cup was a "catalyst in
improving relations" between the two neighbouring countries.
Gilani, who watched the semi-final in Mohali with his
Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh, made the remarks during a
reception he hosted for the Pakistani cricket team at the
Prime Minister's House.
The semi-final between Pakistan and India had "brought
the two governments and two nations closer", he said.
"It is not a question of winning or losing by one
country. In fact the winner is cricket and the people of
Pakistan and India," he said.
Gilani said he "favoured the continuity of cricket
matches between the two countries" as this would help develop
"positive thinking" and provide "friendly entertainment on
both sides".
India defeated Pakistan in the thrilling semi-final
and went on to win the World Cup by beating Sri Lanka in the
final match.
During their meeting on the margins of the semi-final
in Mohali, Gilani and Singh reiterated their commitment to the
peace process between the two countries.
During the reception, Gilani interacted with the
Pakistani team led by Shahid Afridi, Pakistan Cricket Board
Chairman Ejaz Butt, coach Waqar Younis and assistant coach
Aqib Javed.
He lauded the team for its performance in the World
Cup and announced an award of Rs one million for each player
and Rs 500,000 for each member of the management in
recognition of their efforts.
Earlier, sports was patronized at the regional level
while the current government is pursuing a policy of
encouraging it at the national level, Gilani said.