PM,Gilani may hold talks before match

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani are likely to hold talks before they jointly watch the semi-final match between the two countries.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani are likely to hold talks before they jointly watch the semi-final match between the two countries on Wednesday.

Sources said Gilani will arrive straight at the technical area of the Chandigarh Airport on Wednesday morning from Islamabad. Singh will also arrive around the same time.

Both the PMs will move from Chandigarh to the PCA Stadium in Mohali where their likely meeting is being planned. Senior officials of central security agencies were reportedly busy making arrangements for the said meeting.

A special box is being arranged in the stadium where both the PMs will sit together during the match. During the break,the two PMs will have lunch together. After the match,they may distribute the awards as well.

Gilani is expected to fly back in the night itself,though there is a slim chance of him staying back in Chandigarh for a night,Pakistan High Commission officials said in New Delhi.

If Gilani stays in Chandigarh,he is expected to be housed at the presidential suite of Hotel Taj,while the guests with him are likely to stay at the UT Guest House.

If Singh decides to stay back,he will be housed at the Punjab Raj Bhawan.

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A senior official said: The final programmes of both PMs are yet to be received by the state government and accordingly the arrangements will be finalised. The Pakistan PMs team is expected to reach the city late tonight and then finalise the schedule.

Stepping up security arrangements for the premiers of India and Pakistan and other special guests coming to watch the high-voltage match,Special Protection Group SPG personnel from New Delhi on Sunday began arrangements for seating,entry and exit of highly protected persons.

SPG Inspector General of Police IGP Sudeep Lakhtakia,who has been appointed Liaison Officer by the Prime Minister Office,arrived at PCA stadium and took over the entire security arrangements. The SPG officials remained tightlipped citing security reasons.

Sources said special gadgets and enclosures were being installed to secure the special guests. The SPG is also planning the entire route for the special protected persons right from the place of their landing to the stadium by road.