Tag: MoFA

  • Pakistan Cricket Team confirms participation in ICC World Cup 2023 in India

    Pakistan Cricket Team confirms participation in ICC World Cup 2023 in India

    The Pakistan Cricket Team has been granted the green light to travel to India for the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup 2023, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Monday.

    In a press release, MOFA underscored the significance of sportsmanship and the country’s passion for cricket, stating that Pakistan has always promoted the idea that politics should be kept separate from sports. “Regardless of our bilateral relations with India, we believe in upholding our international sports-related commitments,” the statement said.

    However, the ministry also expressed deep concern about the safety and security of the team during their stay in India. These concerns have been duly communicated to both the ICC and Indian authorities. The MOFA stressed, “Pakistan, however, has deep concerns about the security of its Cricket Team. We have conveyed these concerns to the International Cricket Council and the Indian Authorities.”

    The MOFA’s statement also recalled India’s refusal to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. In contrast, Pakistan’s decision to participate in the World Cup in India exhibits a constructive and responsible approach, as emphasized by the ministry.

    This decision marks an important step in separating sports from political tensions, while prioritizing player safety and maintaining international sportsmanship standards. As preparations for the ICC World Cup 2023 continue, the world eagerly anticipates the performances of the participating teams.

  • Afghan Ambassador’s daughter released after being held hostage in Islamabad: Afghan Foreign Ministry

    Afghan Ambassador’s daughter released after being held hostage in Islamabad: Afghan Foreign Ministry

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan released a statement stating: “On July 16, the daughter of the Afghan Ambassador to Islamabad, Ms Silsila Alikhil, was ‘abducted’ for several hours and ‘severely tortured’ by unknown individuals on her way home.”

    After being released from being held hostage, the Ambassador’s daughter was taken to the hospital.

    “The [Afghan] Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the Government of Pakistan to take immediate necessary actions to ensure full security of the Afghan Embassy and Consulates as well as the immunity of the country’s diplomats and their families in accordance with international treaties and conventions,” read the statement.

    Responding to media queries in this regard, the Spokesperson of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the daughter of the Afghan ambassador was “assaulted while riding a rented vehicle”.

    According to the statement, the Islamabad Police launched a thorough investigation while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant security authorities are closely in contact with the ambassador and his family. The Afghan Ambassador’s security has been beefed up. “It is reiterated that the safety and security of the diplomatic missions, as well as the diplomats and their families, is of utmost importance. Such incidents can and will not be tolerated,” says the statement by the Foreign Ministry.

    According to the medical report tweeted by journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah, the police brought in Ms Silsila. There were rope marks on her wrist and ankle.

    Journalist Mubashir Zaidi tweeted, “She [Silsila Alikhil] was thrown after 5 hours with her hands & feet tied. A tissue paper & rupees 50 note with the message ‘your turn is next’ and ‘communist’ tied to her dupatta.”

    Journalist Salman Masood tweeted that senior Pakistani officials are dismissing the claims of the Afghan foreign ministry and have dubbed the alleged abduction as a “baseless accusation to defame Pakistan”.

    There has been no official statement released by Pakistan’s Foreign Office at the moment.

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Sherry Rehman condemned the incident.