People gather around screens to watch Pak-India clash

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ISLAMABAD: Millions of people in Pakistan gathered on Wednesday around giant screens set up on streets and in playgrounds across the country to witness the World Cup semi-final thriller with rival India.

The government declared a half-day holiday in offices and schools to enable the cricket-mad population to enjoy a match dubbed the "clash of titans".

Special prayers were offered in mosques and at homes across the country and people recited verses from the Koran praying to Allah to guide the Pakistani team to the victory.

Motorists listened to the commentary on their car radios and shouted out the latest score to passers-by at a busy intersection in Islamabad.

Young people were seen wearing the green T shirts of the Pakistani squad, their faces painted in the nation's green and white, in northwestern city of Peshawar while large national flags were hoisted on buildings, houses and cars.

In the southern port city of Karachi there was a carnival atmosphere on the streets. Residents blocked many roads and set up giant screens to watch the live broadcast from the Indian town of Mohali.

Even prison authorities in Karachi made special arrangements for the inmates to watch the match and gave Indian team shirts to some 200 Indian prisoners to support their team, prison officials said.

"We have set up screens in all jails and in Malir jail where there are some 200 Indian prisoners and given them the shirts of the Indian team," prisons chief Ghulam Qadir Thebo told AFP.

In Rawalpindi people danced to drums in a market and shouted "Long live Pakistan team", "We will win" and "Give your best, we are with you".

The state-run power company said there would be no loadshedding during the match.

Excitement has been at fever-pitch with shopkeepers flogging green T-shirts, caps and souvenirs.

Tribesmen in Pakistan's restive North Waziristan were even cleaning their guns and collecting explosives for celebratory fire in preparation for their beloved Pakistan beating India.

Markets, schools and offices were closed in the region's main town Miranshah and many made special arrangements to watch the match on giant screens.