KARACHI: The Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Federation (PBSF) on Thursday heaved a sigh of relief when the Ministry of Interior issued the necessary clearance for the Indian delegation to compete in the 18-nation World 6-Reds and Team Championships — men’s women’s and master’s — which runs at hotel Movenpick from Aug 6 to 15.

“Yes the interior ministry has issued the no objection certificate (NOC) to the Indian players and officials to visit Pakistan to compete in the mega event,” the PBSF president Alamgir Shaikh told Dawn from Islamabad where he had gone in the morning to expedite the matter.

It is pertinent to mention that the details of the Indian cueists and officials were forwarded to the relevant ministries two months back to give them ample time to carry out scrutiny.

India will be represented by 18 players and four officials in the event. Capt P V K Mohan, who also heads the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF), will arrive here as a special guest.

According to details, the foreign teams will start arriving in the city on Aug 5.

Meanwhile, the PBSF has expressed its gratitude to the Ministry of Inter-provincial Coordi­nation (IPC) secretary Ejaz Choudhry, Interior secretary Shahid Khan and officials of various agencies for their cooperation in the matter.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2015

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