Pakistan Diary

Half-day holiday

Islamabad: The casual petition doing the rounds on Facebook to call Wednesday a national holiday notwithstanding,Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has officially announced a half working day for government offices so that people could watch the semi-final. While all Pakistan government offices will close at noon. Across Pakistan,people offered special prayers for the success of the Pakistani team led by Shahid Afridi. TV channels turned to tarot card readers and soothsayers to predict the outcome of the match. Officials announced that strict action would be taken against functionaries of power utilities if there were any power outages during the semi-final in Mohali.

Land incentive

lahore: Pakistan8217;s Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has announced that each member of the cricket team will be given 25 acres of land if they beat India on Wednesday. 8220;The Pakistani cricket team deserves appreciation from the nation for displaying outstanding performance in different matches of the World Cup. We are praying for its success,8221; he said in a press conference. He added that the team must not play under pressure.