Pakistan unhappy about Australian security warnings

KARACHI, July 29 (Reuters) Pakistan's hockey chiefs have asked the International Hockey Federation to look into claims that Australia has sent security warnings to teams due to compete in the Champions Trophy in Lahore.

Olympic Champions Australia pulled out of the six-nation event citing security concerns for their players, which prompted the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to lodge a protest with the FIH.

''We know that Australia has written letters to some teams including Argentina, New Zealand and Japan on the security situation in Pakistan,'' Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, the PHF President said.

''We have taken up this matter with the FIH and our own government because we believe Australia should not try to influence other teams on their decision to play in Pakistan,'' added Jamali, a former Pakistani prime minister.

India has already told the FIH it is willing to host the Champions Trophy, scheduled for December, if Pakistan is deemed unsuitable.

Jamali said Pakistan was in no mood to surrender the hosting rights and had already tendered for installation of floodlights and electronic screens.

''We are in touch with our government and feel there is no cause for concern over the security in Pakistan,'' he said.

Pakistan has been hit by a wave of suicide bombings and attacks on security forces and government installations following a week-long siege at Islamabad's Red Mosque, a stronghold for Islamic radicals.

On Friday, a suicide bomber killed at least 13 people, mostly policemen, in a restaurant near the mosque.

Jamali said Australia was looking for an excuse to avoid coming to Pakistan having missed the 2004 Champions Trophy when it was held in Lahore.

''When their cricket board is ready to play in Pakistan what is so different about their hockey team?'' he said.

REUTERS TB RN1820