Islamabad, February 4, 2026: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday defended the government’s decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India, asserting that there “should be no politics in sports.”
Addressing the federal cabinet in Islamabad, the premier said, “We have taken a clear stand regarding the T20 World Cup that we will not play the match against India.” He added that the decision was made after careful deliberation and described it as an “appropriate decision.”
At the outset of his remarks, PM Shehbaz spoke about recent attacks in Balochistan, stating that security forces had killed 180 terrorists within three to four days. “As a result, 17 personnel embraced martyrdom. Similarly, 31 civilians were martyred,” he said, adding that a “heartbreaking incident” in Gwadar claimed the lives of five women and children.
“These people (terrorists) are not human,” the prime minister said, vowing that the nation would never forget the sacrifices of the security forces. Referring to Marka-i-Haq — the name used for Pakistan’s brief conflict with India last year — he alleged that the country’s “hostile eastern neighbour” and other khawarij were conspiring against Pakistan’s progress and prosperity. Khawarij is a term used by the state to designate members of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.
“God willing, this will not happen. We will completely eradicate terrorism and Pakistan will find success on the path of progress,” he vowed. He noted that the entire nation was mourning the victims but stood “like a solid wall” with law enforcement agencies and the armed forces. “The day will come when these sacrifices will be worthwhile and the scourge of terrorism will be erased from this country,” he added.
Turning to regional diplomacy, PM Shehbaz emphasized that Pakistan has played a “brotherly role” in relation to Iran. “Myself, the deputy prime minister and the Field Marshal met the Iranian leadership on multiple occasions and we had telephone conversations,” he said, expressing hope that dialogue would pave the way for regional peace.
Speaking about Kashmir Day on February 5, the prime minister said the nation would express solidarity with freedom movements in Indian-occupied territory. “The people will express their passionate devotion to Kashmir in different cities,” he said, adding, “I personally will be heading to Azad Kashmir tomorrow and we will convey a message of solidarity on behalf of the whole nation.”
