Pakistan team united the nation by winning the World T20: PM

Karachi:

Pakistan team has not only brought moments of joy to the nation but also helped in uniting its people by winning the World Twenty20 in England, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani said.

Speaking at a reception for the members of the World Cup winning team in Islamabad last night, Gillani said Pakistan will look to win over terrorism just the way cricketers have overcome their rivals in the field.

"The cricketers have done us proud by winning the World Cup and more importantly they have helped unite the nation in these testing times," said Gillani, who also announced a cash award of Rs 10 million for the team.

"The World Cup has brought some comfort and joy to the people. Like the cricket team we will also eventually defeat the terrorists as one nation," Gillani added.

The reception was attended by senior ministers and government officials besides the Chairman of the Pakistan cricket Board Ejaz Butt.

The players joined the Prime Minister and other ministers in singing the national anthem on stage and waving the national flag to big applause.

Gillani said cricket was a unifying sport in Pakistan and the players had shown what can be achieved through hard work and unity.