COAS welcomes international footballers, thanks them for coming to Pakistan

Gen Bajwa says Pakistan is a sports- and peace-loving country

Ronaldinho and other international football superstars, who arrived in Pakistan on Saturday, met with army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) thanked the footballers for visiting the country.

The ISPR director general tweeted:

Pakistan welcomes @10Ronaldinho and his fellow intl players. Reception hosted by COAS. Pakistan is a peace and sports loving country.(1 of2) pic.twitter.com/S3IBSx9WbO

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) July 8, 2017

" We thank COAS for hospitality & pleased to be in a beautiful and peaceful Pakistan" @10Ronaldinho (2 of 2) pic.twitter.com/ksIBE6dkpp

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) July 8, 2017

Gen Bajwa told the footballers that Pakistan was a peace- and sports-loving country.

"Sports promote peace and your visit is most welcomed by all Pakistanis especially young footballers," the COAS remarked.

The footballers thanked the army chief for organising their tour and his support.

They said Pakistan was a beautiful country and they looked forward to enjoying their trip.

Gen Bajwa also thanked the Leisure League for organising the event in collaboration with the Pakistan Army and promoting peace and sports.



Captains Brazil legend Ronaldinho and Manchester United Stalwart Ryan Giggs, along with a superstar cast of Brazilian Roberto Carlos, former England goalkeeper David James, Dutch star George Boateng, former French players Robert Pires and Nicolas Anelka, and Portuguese player Luis Boa Morte are set to play exhibition matches in Karachi and Lahore.

The World Group is the company behind UK-based Leisure Leagues coming to Pakistan in the first place. Pakistani organisers hope to both promote football and show that security in the country has improved in Pakistan. International sport fled the country after an attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009.