KARACHI: A contingent of Pakistan Army left for Qatar on Monday to assume security duties for the FIFA World Cup 2022, Radio Pakistan reported.

The contingent consisting of officers, junior commissioned officers and other Pakistan Army personnel departed from Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi.

The troops will assist the Qatari government in security duties for the global event.

The federal cabinet had in August approved a draft agreement to send troops at the request of the government of Qatar, and Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb had said that Qatar is expecting the arrival of 1.2 million visitors for the tournament.

The government of the Gulf nation has already signed agreements with the US, the UK, Morocco and Turkey to provide troops, assistance and training.

Turkey will send 3,250 security officers while Nato will also provide security during the event. Additionally, South Kor­ea will send five police officers specialising in counterterrorism to Qatar, Al Jazeera reported.

Meanwhile, the UK has also announced that it would provide military support to “deliver a safe and secure” World Cup.

“The Ministry of Defence will support Qatar with military capabilities to counter terrorism and other threats to the tournament. This will include maritime security support from the Royal Navy, advanced venue search training, operational planning and command and control support, and further specialist advice,” the UK government said in a statement.

The Gulf nation has also called up hundreds of civilians, including diplomats summoned back from overseas, for mandatory military service, according to Reuters.

They will be trained to manage stadium security queues, frisk fans and detect contraband such as alcohol, drugs or weapons.

The event will begin on Nov 20, with the final to be played on Dec 18, 2022.

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2022