LAHROE - Pakistan’s super star cricketers, who earn millions throughout the year, on Tuesday amused the entire nation by handing over a cheque of Rs 400,000 only to Army for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
It was a heart-touching scene when an army of cricketers led by Misbahul Haq and team management led by Moin Khan and Waqar Younis visited the Army Relief Camp here at the Fortress Stadium to express solidarity with Army in the ongoing relief campaign for the IDPs of North Waziristan.
Cricket fans, Army officers and media persons, who were present on the occasion, were expecting at least this much from every single cricketer, making money through various means throughout the year i.e. through central contracts, match fees, participation in international cricket leagues, advertisement and other ways. But when the cheque was presented, everyone was shocked to see it was only Rs 400,000.
One thing they did was really appreciable as they lauded the efforts of Pakistan Army whose soldiers are leaving no stone unturned in providing each and every facility to the IDPs and to help the nation get rid of terrorists by sacrificing their lives. Speaking on the occasion, they extolled the overall army effort and acknowledged the sacrifices being rendered by soldiers and the IDPs for security and stability of the country.  They also emphasised the need for greater national unity and resolve in this hour of trial. They appealed the philanthropists and welfare organisations to come forward and join hands for this cause of great national consequence.
A large number of cricket fans present at the camp made generous contribution in terms of donation for the noble cause. The cricketers also appealed to fans to donate more money for more than 800,000 people displaced by a military offensive in the restive northwest.
Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan team manager Moin Khan said: “We feel for the people who are forced out of their homes in this ongoing battle, and we are here to show solidarity with our people and we are with our military and to hit terrorism out of the country."
Moin Khan also handed over a cheque for Rs 400,000 for the cause, and promised that authorities would soon host more exhibition matches to raise more money. "I appeal to the whole nation and people living outside Pakistan to give as much as they can to help these IDPs,” Khan added.
Coach Waqar Younis said: "If we do not unite in this moment of distress our troubles will increase, so I appeal on behalf of the whole team to donate as much as possible". Pakistan cricket has suffered from the activities of militants. The country has been unable to host any international cricket since an attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009. Since then the team have played their homes series on neutral venues like the United Arab Emirates and England.