Pak PM to witness Indo-Pak semifinal cricket clash

Pak PM to witness Indo-Pak semifinal cricket clash
Pakistan Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani has accepted his India's invitation to witness the World Cup semifinal match between India and Pakistan to be held at Mohalli on March 30. Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has extended the invitation to his Pakistan counter part as part of the country's strategy to improve the relations between the two countries.

The decision of the Pakistan government was taken after a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Mr. Gilani, which began at midnight Saturday night and lasted for about two hours.

Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar said in a communique after the meeting that it was decided that "in response to the Indian Prime Minister's invitation, the Prime Minister of Pakistan will visit India to witness the semi-final (of World Cup) between the two cricket teams."
    Meanwhile, Union Minister and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr. Farouq Abdullah has welcomed the Prime Minister's move to normalize relations between India and Pakistan through the sports diplomacy. He hoped that the gesture of the Prime Minister would be reciprocated by the Pakistan government and help in the improvement of relations between the two neighboring nations.