FIFA World Cup is one of the greatest sports event globally and it is watched by more than 750 million people around the world. With its unprecedented popularity as a global event and massive viewership an element of threat is also attached with it. Different terrorist organizations focus on such event as it can provide them opportunities for a global outreach.
Newly established terrorist groups like IS-K & ISIL are seeking for International limelight and soft targets like FIFA World Cup that too being hosted by an Arab country is not less than an opportunity for them. In such a threatening environment the safety and security of the event is of prime importance that should be handed over to the most capable and efficient Armed Force in the world. Therefore, Qatar requested Pakistan to provide the support of its Army in order to manage the security of FIFA World Cup.
Pakistan Army contingent left for Qatar on Monday to assist Qatar for FIFA World Cup security starting in November. The Army troops will join the security personnel appointed for FIFA World Cup 2022. The contingent comprises commissioned officers and soldiers. Qatar will be hosting the World Cup from November 20th to December 18th. It is the first time when Qatar is hosting the FIFA World Cup.
Therefore, they wanted a full proof security measure and considering the competence & professionalism of Pakistan Army, Qatar government requested their assistance. A four-member delegation from Qatar visited Pakistan in August to discuss the matter. Troops travelling to Qatar were trained on security by FIFA’s eight-member international training team during its visit in September. The agreement between Pakistan Army and Qatar government for FIFA was approved by the federal cabinet in the same month. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Qatar for two days to discuss several concerns on the request of Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The deal is considered to be a huge milestone for Pakistan and Pakistan Army.
However, alongside the honor it will also be a challenging task for Pakistan Army as the enemy states will try their best to spoil the image of Pakistan Internationally. But, considering the vast experience possessed by Pakistan Army in this domain it will not be a difficult task to perform. It was due to the efforts of Pakistan Army and its intelligence agencies that Pakistan was able to host Pakistan Super League and foreign teams on Pakistani soil. Despite of various threats and challenges Pakistan Army remained extremely vigilant and performed their duties very well. The same efforts are expected for a safe FIFA World Cup from Pakistan Army.
