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If the objective of the terrorists was to create panic among the authorities, than they have succeeded. If their ambition was to limit the pleasures of people, they have achieved their goals. Not only limitations are being imposed upon the social activities of the masses, but also the already very few chances of entertainment are being terminated.

It came as a shock for the already mentally-battered Karachi citizens, when it was announced that the final match of 5-ODI series, which was to be held at National Stadium Karachi was shifted over to Lahore. The reason cited by Pakistan Cricket Board officials, is that it was done due to the security purposes. PCB said that though, they had made fool-proof arrangements at Karachi, yet they didn’t want to take any chances, because it was the matter of national image, and the security of the international teams. It was also reported that the international sponsors and the international broadcasters were also very much wary of playing in Karachi.

18th October brought some very dark and sinister clouds over Karachi. Two suicide attacks in the PPPP rally upon the Benazir’s welcome, left 150 people dead and more than 600 wounded. The whole of Karachi once again came into the grip of terror and gloom. At this time, citizens needed respite and some relief, but the shifting of match from Karachi to Lahore (where already two matches have been played) is simply a very bad shock. It means that Karachi is unsafe, and the 10 million populations are not important, and the security agencies are incompetent?

It is reported that South Africa wanted to play at Karachi, and Graeme Smith, the South African skipper himself showed the desire to play in Karachi and said that it was a very nice place. South Africa security team also visited Karachi, and reported fine, and it was being hoped that the match will be held there after all, but all of a sudden this U-turn has left many questions un-answered, and once again people of Karachi have been deprived of a due and much needed entertainment.