Sports promote peace, harmony, says PM
By Asghar Ali Mubarak

ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Sunday said sports and particularly cricket had become a source of promoting harmony, unity and mutual understanding among various nations and cultures.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 3rd World Cup Cricket for the Blind here at National Library, the Prime Minister said the visionary impaired persons are very important segment of the society, therefore, they should be given full attention.
The skippers and team officials from Pakistan, the defending champion, Sri Lanka, Australia, West Indies, India, New Zealand and England attended the colourful inaugural ceremony.
The Prime Minister while appreciating the efforts of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council for organizing the event said such world events and tournaments provide a chance to bridge different cultures and religions.
“Cricket and other sports can bring different nations and peoples together” he said and added, “Sports events break barriers, taboos and prejudices”.
The Prime Minister said, “Cricket is a game of team work, leadership and working together” and expressed the hope that the participating teams will contest the event in the same sporting spirit.
He especially lauded the role of media, particularly TV, in popularising cricket. He also appreciated the sponsorship of the 3rd World Cup 2006 for the blind and expressed the hope that more sponsors from private sector would come forward to promote the game.
Referring to the inauguration of the 3rd World Cup for Blind on December 3, on the occasion of International Day of Disabled, the Prime Minister said maximum efforts should be made to provide them maximum opportunities to groom their talent. He urged the private sector to extend its full cooperation and sponsorship to the blinds and other disabled so that they could play their due role in the society.
The Prime Minister said providing help and assistance promote the feelings of caring and sharing. Earlier, Chairman Pakistan Blind Cricket Council Agha Shaukat Ali thanked the government and the private sector for extending help and cooperation in organizing the 3rd World Cup for the Blind in Pakistan. He said Pakistan’s Blind Cricket team, established ten years ago, has won five series and is defending champion of the world cup.
Chairman World Blind Cricket Council Peter Donalman speaking on the occasion appreciated the efforts to organise the world cup in Pakistan. Special Assistant to Prime Minister Commander Khalil ur Rehman and Minister of State for Finance Omer Ayub, representatives of various sports organizations and diplomats also attended the inaugural ceremony.