Stephen Fleming andmanager John Dykes said that safety fears in Pakistan would not affect New Zealand's performance, after they arrived in Karachi under heavy guard.

"Natural apprehensions remain there, but after security assurances by Pakistan Cricket Board we hope it would be a good, trouble-free tour and players would give their best," Dykes told a press conference.

Large numbers of police and paramilitary troops greeted the New Zealanders as they were escorted from the airport to their hotel at the start of a 25-day tour.

The tour had been due to take place in September and October last year, but was postponed following the September 11 attacks in the United States.

"There were real security concerns when we postponed that tour but since New Zealand Cricket (NZC) remained committed to honour the commitment, we are delighted to be here," Dykes said.

Pakistani authorities have promised "foolproof" security for the New Zealanders who agreed to reschedule the tour only after Pakistan's interior ministry guaranteed the visitors safe exit in the event of a security alert.

Fleming, whose team arrived direct from Sharjah, where they failed to reach the final of a tri-series tournament with Pakistan and Sri Lanka, said his players were well aware of all off-field issues.

"We are aware of everything, including security, but we will not be bothered as we are given assurances which look satisfying," said Fleming, a veteran of New Zealand's last tour to Pakistan in 1996-97.

New Zealand will play their first match in the port city of Karachi on Sunday, where Wall Street Journal journalist Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and executed by Islamic extremists earlier this year.

The remaining two one-dayers will be played at Rawalpindi on April 24 and Lahore on April 27. The first Test will start in Lahore from May 1 while the second is scheduled at Karachi from May 8-12.

"Pakistan is a formidable side and at full strength and we miss some key players, but we will put up a good show," Fleming said. "We have been playing well since our tour to Australia last year and hope to carry on that form."

Chris Cairns, Dion Nash and Shane Bond are missing through injury while Scott Styris, Jacob Oram and James Frank will leave after the one-day series, to be replaced by Chris Martin, Daniel Vettori and Mark Richardson.

Robbie Hart and Lou Vincent will join the team from New Zealand later in the week, while Chris Nevin has been retained after he was earlier ruled out due to injury.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd