FO asks India to ensure security for Pakistan cricket team,

Operation against illegal immigrants has nothing to do with Afghan refugees: Mumtaz Zahra Baloch

Islamabad_Pakistan on Thursday has asked India to provide protection for the national team during the ICC World Cup 2023 in the wake of reports of terrorist threats in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.

At a weekly press briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch was asked to comment on visa delays for Pakistani supporters and journalists as well as media claims regarding terror concerns.

Cricket is more than a sport in South Asia; it’s a passion that unites millions across the nation. As the excitement builds for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, starting from today in India, ensuring the safety and security of players as well as spectators is of paramount importance.

Ahmedabad to host some of the tournament’s most anticipated matches, including the opening match, the high-voltage India-Pakistan match, and the grand finale.

As per Indian media reports, authorities in India have beefed up security with more than 3,000 police personnel deployed in and around the venue, Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi stadium amid a terror threat.

As part of the security measures, spectators will not be allowed to carry anything in the stadium other than their mobile phones, per the reporters.

The India-Pakistan match, in particular, has been the focus of much anticipation and anxiety due to the history of political tensions which has spilled over into cricket as well.

Matches between the two countries are often seen as more than just sporting events, and political groups on both sides have, at times, used cricket matches as a platform to express their grievances or make political statements.

Security concerns and threats to the Pakistani cricket team when playing in India have been a matter of concern for many. The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is intense, and emotions often run high during matches between the two countries.

With the eyes of the cricketing world firmly fixed on India, the security apparatus has left no stone unturned. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is working hand in hand with local law enforcement agencies to orchestrate a seamless security plan. Coordination between these bodies is essential to manage the massive crowds and potential security risks.

As per Indian media reports, cricket venues have become fortresses, equipped with cutting-edge security technology. Metal detectors, CCTV cameras, and well-trained security personnel will be stationed at every entry point to ensure that no threats enter the premises. The perimeters of the stadiums are fortified, creating a secure environment for everyone.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 promises to be a celebration of cricket and the safety of all involved is a top priority.

While in  weekly briefing, She said  Pakistan has categorically stated that the ongoing operation against illegal immigrants is not targeted against any particular nationality.

Responding to questions at her weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said the ongoing action envisages repatriation of individuals who have either overstayed their visas or do not have the valid documents to stay.

She said Pakistan is all within parameters of its sovereign domestic laws to take action in this context.

She clarified this operation has nothing to do with 1.4 million Afghan refugees that Pakistan has been hosting since decades with exemplary generosity and hospitality despite its own constrained economic situation.

The spokesperson said Pakistan’s national policy on Afghan refugees remains unchanged and their safe and honorable repatriation is a separate matter on which it continues to engage with Afghanistan to create conducive environment for their safe return.

Refuting media reports that Pakistan has closed transit trade with Afghanistan, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pak-Afghan bilateral trade continued but Pakistan will not accept the misuse of existing trade facilities. She said any measures taken recently or in future will be in accordance with this understanding.

To a question, the spokesperson said Pakistan has very clearly articulated its concerns over the use of Afghan soil for terrorism. He said Islamabad while believing in diplomacy and dialogue continues engagement with Kabul to fight the threat.

To another question about a report published in international media regarding India’s anti-Pakistan propaganda, the spokesperson said there is irrefutable evidence of India’s involvement in terrorist activities inside Pakistan but it continues to blame Pakistan for this on fictitious grounds.