Pakistan has deployed its army and paramilitary forces to safeguard the touring Sri Lankan cricket team after a deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad raised security concerns.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the deployment to parliament on Thursday, stating: "Our army and paramilitary are deployed for the Sri Lankan team's security."

The decision follows Tuesday's suicide bombing outside an Islamabad court, which killed 12 and wounded 27. The team's stadium and hotel are less than 10 kilometres from the blast site.

The Sri Lanka Cricket Board confirmed players sought to return home after the blast. However, the board instructed the team to remain, citing "foolproof" security guarantees.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated the attacks had put the country in a "state of war"

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