ACCORDING to an inquiry report presented to the prime minister the other day, a “complete security lapse” was responsible for the deadly attack in Lahore on the Sri Lankan cricket team. This conclusion simply confirms what was obvious all along to anyone with a television set. CCTV footage showed all too clearly how highly trained killers were able to ambush buses carrying the Sri Lankan team and match officials with shocking ease. Toting huge caches of sophisticated weapons, as many as 12 terrorists were able to take up positions along a route that ought to have been heavily guarded but was inexplicably short on security on March 3. Accompanying the convoy was an inexcusably small contingent of police which was hopelessly outgunned in a commando-style assault reminiscent of the Mumbai tragedy. Firing continued for nearly half an hour, at least one RPG was fired and yet no reinforcements rushed to the scene. The nearest police station, mind you, was just round the corner. After killing six policemen as well as a bus driver and wounding eight Sri Lankan cricketers, some of them seriously, the attackers calmly left the scene without let or hindrance. They are yet to be apprehended.

The Sri Lankans showed amazing grace in the immediate aftermath and continue to do so to this day. But internationally our plummeting reputation was further sullied as the attack made headlines across the globe, and not just in the cricketing world. Pakistan cricket has of course been the biggest casualty but the damage transcends the sport. The attack on the Sri Lankans sent a worldwide message that no one is safe in Pakistan. Since the 40-point investigation report has not been made public, all its details are not known. But it does reportedly state that ‘foreign elements’ planned and financed the assault. That is neither here nor there in the context of the security lapse without which the attack may never have taken place. Nor does it suffice to simply acknowledge that the security provided to the Sri Lankans was appalling, even though our honoured visitors were promised presidential-level protection. What is needed is follow-up and thorough accountability. All branches of the Punjab government that were entrusted with ensuring the safety of the Sri Lankans have to be taken to task. Punches cannot be pulled and blame must be pinned on top officers, not those who were simply carrying out orders.