Lahore attack: Pakistan sets up probe team

Blaming the attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore to "enemies" of the two countries, Pakistan on Tuesday said it had set up a special investigation team to probe the incident in which seven members of the visiting team were injured and eight other persons killed.

"Full investigation is being carried out into the attack and the perpetrators of this heinous crime would be given exemplary punishment," a statement issued by the foreign office spokesperson said.

The statement said a special investigation team has been set up for the probe. "The attack was perpetrated by the enemies of Pakistan-Sri Lanka friendship," it said.

Eight persons, a majority of them Pakistani policemen, were killed and nearly 15 others, including six players and a coach of the Sri Lankan team, were injured in the attack in Lahore carried out by a dozen heavily armed terrorists.

Star wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara and famed spinner Ajantha Mendis along with Thilan Samaraweera, Tharanga Paranavitana, Suranga Lakmal and Thilina Thushara were injured in the attack.

Assistant coach Paul Farbrace also sustained minor injuries. The Pakistan government has also made arrangements for the safe return of the team to Sri Lanka and is in touch with authorities in Colombo, the statement said.

"Pakistan greatly values its relations with Sri Lanka. Our two countries have maintained a close, cordial and mutually supportive relationship which is based on mutual trust and interest in preserving regional peace, security and stability," the statement added.

Noting that Sri Lanka had hosted the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation  ministerial meeting in Colombo last month, the statement said Pakistan's minister of state for foreign affairs, Malik Amad Khan held "useful exchanges on issues of mutual interest," including cooperation in facing the threat of terrorism, with the Sri Lankan foreign minister.