NEW DELHI: Political differences between Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and Punjab Chief Minister, Nawaz Sharif have affected the smooth organization of the World Cup Hockey Tournament in Lahore early next year, It is authoritatively learnt.
The Central Government has not yet released foreign exchange for import of synthetic turf in order to make second field ready for the competition starting on February 12, The central bureaucrats are reluctant to assign any reason for not releasing the exchange.
Lahore has only one synthetic hockey field, But according to International Hokey Federation (FTH) rules, it is mandatory to have two synthetic fields for the World Cup, Olympics Games and other major championships,
The Nawaz Sharif Government is frantic to get the sanction for the foreign exchange since laying of the turf takes a few months, It has asked Islamabad for foreign exchange to the tune of $400,000.
Mr. Sharif has reportedly requested the Punjab Governor, Tikka Khan to intervene in the matter as he has served 4s the Pakistan’s People’s Party secretary General and {s close to Ms. Bhutto.
Mr. Sharif it is learnt has selected the site for laying of the new turf, which is close to the existing one in Lahore.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 25, 1989
