Pakistan calls on India to ensure security of national team

Islamabad: Pakistan has officially requested that the International Cricket Council (ICC) ensure the comprehensive security of the Pakistan Cricket Team following reports of terrorism threats in Ahmedabad, India, where World Cup matches are set to take place.

In a weekly press briefing, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson for Pakistan's Foreign Office, emphasized that as the host nation, it is the responsibility of the Indian government to create a safe and favorable environment for the visiting teams.

Baloch acknowledged that Pakistanis have faced difficulties in obtaining Indian visas for the World Cup but expressed hope for cooperation from India to facilitate visas for Pakistani cricket enthusiasts.

She underlined the importance of keeping politics separate from sports, especially during international sporting events like the World Cup.

Concerns regarding terrorism threats during World Cup matches in Ahmedabad have raised alarms in the cricketing world.

Baloch also highlighted other diplomatic endeavors, including Pakistan's engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, progress on free trade agreements, and efforts to combat discrimination and hatred with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) group in Geneva.

In response to questions concerning the Kashmir issue, Baloch condemned the ongoing atrocities by the Indian occupying army in Jammu and Kashmir.

She cited the killing of 13 innocent Kashmiris in September and stressed that such actions constitute a clear violation of the Geneva Convention and United Nations human rights principles.

Baloch pointed out that India has been engaged in a continuous propaganda campaign against Pakistan and accused India of being involved in terrorist activities within Pakistan.

Regarding the Afghan refugee situation, Baloch affirmed that Pakistan's policy remains unchanged.

She reiterated Pakistan's long-standing support for Afghan refugees while emphasizing that the country is addressing the issue of illegal immigrants, not any specific citizenship.

Pakistan is committed to taking action against all illegal residents, including Afghan refugees, and will continue to engage with the Afghan Transitional Government.

Baloch also clarified that trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has not ceased and debunked baseless reports suggesting otherwise.

Pakistan is actively working to curb the illegal use of Afghan transit trade routes.

Responding to a question about inviting foreign observers for elections, the Foreign Office spokesperson disclosed that contacts with the Election Commission of Pakistan pertaining to inviting neutral election observers to oversee the electoral process in Pakistan.