Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses the federal cabinet on February 4, 2026.
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, defending the decision to boycott the match against India in the T20 World Cup, said on Wednesday that it was taken in solidarity with Bangladesh.
Pakistan almost pulled out of the tournament after Bangladesh withdrew for refusing to play in India, citing security concerns.
The government eventually allowed the team to participate, but barred them from facing India in Colombo in a blockbuster clash on February 15.
“We have taken a clear stand regarding the T20 World Cup that we will not play the match against India,” he said while addressing the cabinet.
“There should be no politics in sport,” he said. “We have taken this position after careful deliberation,” he said, calling it an “appropriate decision.”
“We have taken a very considered position and we have to fully support Bangladesh and I think it is a very appropriate decision.”
Despite withdrawing from the match against India, Pakistan’s participation in the remainder of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 signals a calibrated approach rather than a complete boycott, after days of speculation linked to the Bangladesh issue and regional tensions.
Balochistan attacks
Referring to events since Saturday’s attacks in several places in Balochistan, the prime minister said 180 terrorists “have been sent to hell”, while 17 security forces personnel were martyred and 31 civilians lost their lives.
“You saw what a painful event happened in Gwadar: they martyred five women and children. They have hearts of stone – they are not human at all.”
He said the nation would always remember the sacrifices of the martyrs, adding that it was the responsibility of the state to take care of their heirs.
He added that it should be kept in mind that since Pakistan achieved victory in its conflict against India in May 2025, “our eastern neighbor – our enemy – and other khwarij want to become a thorn in the happiness and prosperity of Pakistan, but God willing, this will not happen and this terrorism will be completely eliminated.”
The Prime Minister said that it was necessary to remember how the workers who had gone to Balochistan to earn their livelihood, as well as young children and women, were killed, calling it a painful moment that left the entire nation in mourning.
“But in the same way, the nation stands like an iron wall with its law enforcement and army. The day will come when these sacrifices will bear fruit and terrorism will be eliminated from the country forever.”
Tensions between Iran and the United States
Referring to the recent situation with Iran, as tensions between the country and the United States are escalating, the Prime Minister said Pakistan has played its role fully in this matter. He said he, the deputy prime minister and the marshal had contacted and consulted with Iranian leaders at different times.
“We have fully played our brotherly role that could have been played. In this matter, the role of Qatar, Egypt, Oman, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and all Islamic countries have also been involved and the whole effort is to find, through talks, a path that ends the threats to the region and peace is established.”
The Prime Minister conveyed the message of solidarity of the Government of Pakistan and the entire nation with the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the just cause of the Kashmiri people.
He said he would visit Azad Jammu and Kashmir himself to deliver a “message of solidarity from the entire nation”.
Meeting with KP CM
PM Shehbaz also spoke about his meeting with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday, adding that they had a “very good” discussion.
Reiterating his past offer of support to the chief minister, PM Shehbaz said he told CM Afridi, “You are the chief minister of a very beautiful and important province where the people are very great Pakistanis and they are brave and have made many sacrifices. In this regard, we have kept one percent in the National Finance Commission (NFC) 2010 award before the divisible pool so that you can take care of issues related to terrorism.”
He said the chief minister was informed that Rs 800 billion had been released to KP over the years under the NFC. PM Shehbaz added that CM Afridi reassured him about the completion of the Safe City project.
The Prime Minister said the Chief Minister had mentioned some delays in payments to the province, adding that he had immediately instructed Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal along with Finance Minister and Secretary to hold a meeting and clear possible payment discrepancies.
“In summary, it was a good meeting with him and we must hope that the file will move forward.”
