LAHORE – Following a rally held by the Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC), proscribed group Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) has reassured the ICC World XI, scheduled to play a three-match series in Lahore, that Pakistan is a perfectly safe country.
Other endorsers in the rally included the leaders of Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ), who were instrumental in organising the rally to support the World XI and welcome them in Lahore.
“Pakistan is a tolerant country, it supports everyone,” said JuD leader Abdul Rehman Makki, flying the banners of his group and the International Cricket Council.
“Lahore especially is perfectly safe. We have workers here from places like Muridke, Jhang, Bahawalpur, who have all found safe spaces to provide professional services.”
Milli Muslim League President Saifullah Khalid said the World XI could change their name if they feel insecure.
“They can even form their political party in between the series – that’s how much freedom there is. The series isn’t called Independence Cup without reason,” he said. “In fact, since the ICC World XI would be here till the 15th anyway, they might as well contest the NA-120 by-election.”
JuD chief Hafiz Saeed has sent Grant Elliot’s name as an independent candidate for the NA-120 by-poll, reliable sources have told The Dependent.
