Officials give evidence on Lahore attacks

Top Pakistan cricket officials gave evidence Wednesday to a commission investigating the deadly attack on the Sri Lankan squad in Lahore, vowing to revive international sport in the country.

Justice Shabbar Hussain Rizvi was appointed by the provincial government in Punjab to investigate the March 3 attacks, which killed eight Pakistanis, and wounded seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach.

The one-man commission started proceedings on March 24 and has already taken statements from police officials and witnesses.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt, chief operating officer Salim Altaf and umpire Ahsan Raza injured in the attack as well as other senior PCB officials appeared before the commission.

“The commission summoned us for our statements which we recorded today and hope that once the inquiry is completed action will be taken against those who were responsible,” Butt told reporters.

Butt again reiterated that the PCB had given top-level protection to the touring team and officials.

“We provided the best possible security but the incident took place. We can only restore cricket in Pakistan when security situation improves in the country,” said Butt.

Court officials said the commission will examine whether the attack amounted to any lapse of security.

Up to 12 attackers armed with grenades and assault rifles ambushed the Sri Lankan team bus in downtown Lahore, exchanged fire with security forces and then calmly walked away unhindered.

The commission will give its report to the Punjab government.

LAHORE, AFP