Gilani praises Manmohan as “good politician” ahead of ‘cricket diplomacy’ meet
March 30th, 2011 - 1:51 pm ICT by ANI
Islamabad, Mar 30(ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has praised his Indian counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh as a “good politician” before leaving for India to watch the highly anticipated Indo-Pak World Cup semi-final match in Mohali.
“PM Manmohan Singh is a good politician,” Samaa TV quoted Gilani, as saying while talking to media persons at Chaklala Airbase in Rawalpindi before leaving for India on Wednesday (today).
Last week, the Indian Prime Minister had extended the invitation to both Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Gilani simultaneously- though Islamabad decided on sending only the prime minister.
Gilani, who has left for India reportedly along with a 45-member delegation to watch the much-awaited match, said that his visit would not only improve ties between the two countries but will also encourage the visiting Pakistan team.
“Team’s moral is high,” he added.
According to a report, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and other Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) leaders, including Pervaiz Rashid, refused to go with Gilani to watch the match.
Pakistan Muslim League-Q chief Shujaat Hussain, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Farooq Sattar and Awami National Party’s Asfandyar Wali will accompany Gilani to watch the match.
Gilani said that his nation is united, and added that the representation of all political parties in the visiting delegation shows that the entire country encourages the Pakistan team.
India and Pakistan, who have not played in any bilateral series since the Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008, are set to encounter today for a slot in the World Cup final match to be held at Mumbai on April 2, sparking a frenzy on both sides of the border. (ANI)
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