KARACHI, July 11: Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) believes that this month’s Pakistan Open to be staged in Karachi will help send out positive signals to the rest of the world and will confirm that the city is a safe place for holding international sports. PSF official told reporters on Monday that the federation would make sure that the US$85,000 Pakistan Open was organized in a befitting manner as it would help in proving wrong the general impression in the outside world that Karachi was not safe enough to host foreign teams.

Wing Cmdr Zulfiqar Ahmed, secretary PSF, pointed out that 20 of the top 25 players from the World Squash Tour have confirmed their participation in the tournament to be played here at the DHA Asif Nawaz Squash Complex from July 24 to 29.

The entry list includes the name of world number one Thierry Lincou of France. He said that such a solid entry list reflected the fact that the international squash community saw Pakistan as a safe place for international competitions.

Zulfiqar pointed out that Pakistan had won their trust after safely and successfully staging a series of international tournament including the 2004 World Junior Squash Championships in Islamabad. This year Pakistan would also stage the World Men’s Team Championships in Islamabad.—PPI