Amidst the ongoing tension between India and Maldives, Mohammad Muizzu, the President of the latter country, has given an ultimatum to India to withdraw its troops from his country by March 15.
Muizzu, who recently returned from a visit to China, formally asked India to end its army presence in his territory, Abdallah Nazim Ibrahim, the public policy secretary to the president’s office, said at a press briefing.
According to the latest government figures, there are 88 Indian military personnel in the Maldives. “Indian Military personnel cannot stay in the Maldives. This is the policy of the President and that of his administration,” he said.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has not yet responded to the news.
Relations between India and Maldives have been strained since the formation of the government of the new President in the island nation.
Three months ago, Mueez raised the slogan “India out” in the election and demanded their withdrawal from Maldives.
In a departure from tradition, Muizzu chose Turkey and China instead of India for his first visit, stating that his government reiterated its commitment to withdraw the Indian army from the strategically important region of the country.
Indian troops were deployed at the request of the then government to protect against the threat of insurgency and the Sri Lankan Tamil Tigers. The Indian troops have been stationed in the Maldives since 1988, for non-combat duties including flying, training, and surveillance.
While foreign policy experts conclude that this change of policy is because of his tilt towards China, the President has declared, “We aren’t in anyone’s backyard. We are an independent and sovereign state”. Without naming any country, he said, “We may be small, but that doesn’t give you the license to bully us.”
Social media is a big source of arguments, being the quickest source to share information worldwide. A single picture, especially if posted by someone important, can cause chaos between countries.
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, posted about his recent trip to Lakshadweep on X (former Twitter).
“In addition to the scenic beauty, Lakshadweep’s tranquility is also mesmerising. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on how to work even harder for the welfare of 140 crore Indians,” the caption read.
In addition to the scenic beauty, Lakshadweep’s tranquility is also mesmerising. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on how to work even harder for the welfare of 140 crore Indians. pic.twitter.com/VeQi6gmjIM
Social media erupted with calls for boycott of Maldives tours after Maldivian politician Zahid Rameez made objectionable remarks regarding Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep.
The incident led to the trending of the hashtag #BoycottMaldives on X in India.
The controversy unfolded when Rameez, a member of the Progressive Party, responded to a claim suggesting that PM Modi’s visit was a setback for the Maldives and would boost tourism in Lakshadweep.
Rameez mocked Indians, stating that competing with the Maldives for tourism was “delusional.” He questioned how India could match the level of service and cleanliness offered by the island nation, adding that the permanent smell in Indian rooms would be a significant drawback.
Rameez’s remarks ignited a heated exchange on the microblogging site, with many users sharply criticizing him.
Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment Maldives, Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, also criticised Modi and said, “While I wish success for India’s tourism, targeting the Maldives so explicitly isn’t diplomatic. India faces significant challenges competing in beach tourism, considering our resort infrastructure exceeds their total islands. Plus this is your culture @narendramodi.”
Subsequently, the hashtag #BoycottMaldives gained traction on social media, with influencers joining the call for a boycott.
Adding fuel to the fire, Maldivian minister Mariyam Shiuna also made derogatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a now-deleted post, further fueling the outrage.
Former President Nasheed urged the Maldivian government to distance itself from the offensive comments made by Shiuna and provide clear assurance to India that they do not reflect official government policy.
“What appalling language by Maldives Government official @shiuna_m towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for Maldives’ security and prosperity. @MMuizzu gov must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect gov policy.”
What appalling language by Maldives Government official @shiuna_m towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for Maldives’ security and prosperity. @MMuizzu gov must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect gov policy.
In response to the growing calls for a boycott, several Indian celebrities, including Akshay Kumar and Sachin Tendulkar, took to social media.
Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists. We are good to our neighbors but why should we tolerate such… pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN
250+ days since we rang in my 50th birthday in Sindhudurg!
The coastal town offered everything we wanted, and more. Gorgeous locations combined with wonderful hospitality left us with a treasure trove of memories.
They promoted the hashtag ‘#ExploreIndianIslands,’ encouraging fellow citizens to support domestic tourism.
Former Indian cricketer Akash Chopra urged Indians to choose wisely in light of the political tensions, emphasizing the importance of national dignity.
‘India Out’ was a part of the manifesto. Maldives voted for it. Now, it’s up to us, Indians, to choose wisely. I know that my family will. Jai Hind
It is so cool to see our Hon PM Narendrabhai Modi at the beautiful clean n stunning beaches of Lakshadweep, and the best part is that yeh hamare India mein hain.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Moosa Zameer, said, “The recent remarks against foreign leaders and our close neighbours are unacceptable and do not reflect the official position of the Government of #Maldives. We remain committed to fostering a positive and constructive dialogue with all our partners, especially our neighbours, based on mutual respect and understanding.”
The recent remarks against foreign leaders and our close neighbours are unacceptable and do not reflect the official position of the Government of #Maldives.
We remain committed to fostering a positive and constructive dialogue with all our partners, especially our neighbours,…
As the controversy continues to unfold, diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives face a test, with the tourism industry caught in the crossfire of political tensions.
Summers are already here and the recent devaluation of the national currency has made it nearly impossible for travelers to pursue journeys.
If you have a Pakistani passport, it’s not an easy task to get a visa of the country you love. But we have some suggestions to make your summer vacation memorable and budget-friendly.
Currently, there are a total of four countries that allow Pakistan visa on arrival. These countries are as follows:
Maldives
The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning coral reefs. The Maldives is a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including swimming, sunbathing, diving, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing.
most famous tourist spot in maldives
Things to do in Maldives
Swimming and sunbathing:The Maldives has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
Diving and snorkeling:The Maldives is home to stunning coral reefs, making it a popular destination for divers and snorkelers.
Fishing:The Maldives is a great place to go fishing, with a variety of fish species to catch.
Sailing:The Maldives is a great place to go sailing, with calm waters and beautiful scenery.
Spa treatments:The Maldives is a great place to relax and pamper yourself, with many resorts offering a variety of spa treatments.
You do not need to apply for a visa before you travel to the Maldives on holiday. All tourists, of all nationalities, can receive a 30 day visa free of charge on arrival in the Maldives.
SamoaSamoa tourist visa is not required for citizens of Pakistan for a stay of up to 60 days. Samoa is a beautiful island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is made up of two main islands, Upolu and Savai’i, and several smaller islands. Samoa is known for its stunning natural beauty, including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and stunning waterfalls.
samoan traditional dance
As a tourist, there are many things to see and do in Samoa. Here are some of the top activities and attractions:
Beaches: Samoa is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From Lalomanu Beach to Aganoa Beach, there are plenty of stunning spots to soak up the sun and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.
Waterfalls: Samoa is also known for its incredible waterfalls. Some of the most popular include Togitogiga Falls and Fuipisia Falls.
Cultural Activities: Samoa is a rich and vibrant culture. Visitors can experience traditional dance performances, attend a Fiafia Night, or visit a village to learn more about Samoan customs and traditions.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu has made visa-free access or visa-on-arrival access for almost every country globally, including Pakistan. These visas are valid for 30 days and will cost travellers approximately 100 AUD. Enjoy the Beaches: Tuvalu is home to some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the world. Visitors can soak up the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy the stunning views.
Snorkeling and Diving: Tuvalu’s coral reefs are home to a diverse array of marine life, making it a great destination for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can explore the reefs and see colorful fish, sea turtles, and even sharks.
Visit Funafuti Atoll: This is the capital of Tuvalu and offers visitors a chance to see the local way of life. Visitors can explore the town and visit the local shops, enjoy the markets, and learn about the history and culture of Tuvalu.
Attend a Cultural Event: Tuvalu has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can experience traditional dance performances, attend a Falekaupule Meeting, or participate in a local celebration or festival.
It is important to note that visa policies for each country can change quickly and without notice, so it is recommended that travelers check with their local embassy before departing. Additionally, visa on arrival may not be available for all types of travel such as business or education purposes, so travelers should also verify the purpose of their travel is eligible for visa on arrival.
In conclusion, while the list of countries offering Pakistan visa on arrival is relatively small, it does provide some relief for those who may have difficulty obtaining a traditional visa. As always, travelers should research their destination before embarking on any trip to ensure all necessary documents are secured to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Vice president of the Pakistan Body Building Federation, Armughan Muqeem, has been named the youngest judge for the Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2022, which will be held in the Maldives.
Muqeem will now serve as a judge in Asian bodybuilding championship contests after being granted a license by the Asian Body Building Federation (ABF) in recognition of his skills and abilities.
He will also be a judge at the upcoming 13th World Championship.
The 33-year-old hailed the moment as a proud one, saying that his years of hard work had finally paid off.
“It was a proud moment for myself and my family to honour my Nation with this great opportunity and be a sign of pride for my county,” said Muqeem.
If you’re an avid social media user like us, who loves following celebrities, chances are you have seen some of them jetting off to luxury destinations in recent weeks – despite rising coronavirus infection rates and restrictions across the world.
From Imran Abbas to Sarah Khan to Bollywood stars including Madhuri Dixit, Janhvi Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, several celebrities have been spotted vacationing in Turkey and Maldives.
Imran Abbas
Abbas has been keeping us updated with his whereabouts by sharing photos of himself in Turkey. The actor has also been spotted hanging out with several Turkish actors including Yeşim Ceren Bozoğlu, who essays the role of Hazal Hatun in Kurulus: Osman.
Last month, Abbas also visited the sets of the popular dramas Diriliş: Ertuğrul and Kuruluş: Osman, where actor Celal Al presented him with a handmade flag from the historical series.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani actor is also all set to host a Ramzan transmission from Istanbul titled Baraan e Rehmat, which will be co-hosted by Reema Khan from Pakistan.
Actress Mariam Mirza and Zara Noor Abbas are recently in Turkey. Mariam Mirza shared pictures, enjoying her holidays with her husband in Turkey and Zara is also having fun there with her freind.
Recently, Fawad Khan and wife Sadaf were also spotted in Turkey. The photos and videos shared on social media show that they are accompanied by their friends and industry mates.
This is their first public appearance after the birth of their child. Producer Ammara Hikmat and others shared the snaps on their Instagram stories.
Madhuri Dixit
Madhuri Dixit has joined the long list of Bollywood celebrities who went to the Maldives for a family holiday recently.
A Pakistani citizen filed a suggestion on the Prime Minister’s Citizen Portal requesting for the Maldives to be merged with Pakistan because its a “Muslim country.”
The request which was received from an unknown person from Lahore stated that the Republic of Maldives should be made a part of Pakistan because “with rising sea levels, Maldives could be under water in the next 50 to 100 years” threatening the lives of 5 lakh Muslims who reside in the island country. As per the citizen, Maldives is Muslim nation and our neighbour, hence “it is our responsibility to do something about it. Allah taala rewards good deeds and it is justification enough.”
The citizen also believed that the inclusion of Maldives “will enrich Pakistan financially and culturally and provide a strategic spot in the middle of the Indian Ocean.”
He concluded his suggestion saying, “It’s a win win.”
The request was closed.
There are people in Pakistan who never fail to amaze you with their level of intellect, same as this unknown person who had filed a complaint on PM’s Citizen Portal seeking Maldives to be merged with Pakistan because its a ‘Muslim country’, the request was closed subsequently. pic.twitter.com/vN3nfB6jNo
