KARACHI, Feb 27: The Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Federation (PBSF) heaved a sigh of relief when Interior Minister Rehman Malik issued no objection certificate (NOC) for Indian cueists to compete in Indo-Pak snooker series which takes place at Sheraton hotel from March 7 to 10.

The NOC was issued after PBSF president Alamgir Shaikh called on the interior minister at his minister’s enclave residence on Wednesday. Alamgir was accompanied by the world amateur snooker champion Mohammad Asif.

“Appreciating the gesture of Indian cueists for coming to Pakistan, the minister assured to provide best security to them during their stay in the country,” Alamgir told Dawn from Islamabad.

He further said the minister also commended the feat of Asif for bringing laurels to the nation from Bulgaria.

“I’ll also recommend Asif’s case of Pride of Performance on his remarkable achievement,” the minister told Alamgir.

Meanwhile, the PBSF chief expressed his gratitude to the interior minister for giving his precious time and issuing necessary instructions for granting visas to the Indian cueists for the upcoming series.

He hoped the proposed Indo-Pak snooker series will go a long way in promoting sports and bilateral relations between the two neighbouring nations.