Pakistan slams India for dragging Zainab Abbas into unjustified case
Cricket
Pakistan slams India for dragging Zainab Abbas into unjustified case
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – The Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch expressed strong disapproval of New Delhi's involvement in an unnecessary controversy surrounding Pakistani presenter Zainab Abbas during the ongoing World Cup.
Baloch emphasised that the decision to register a case against Zainab Abbas for her tweets was not an appropriate course of action.
During her weekly press briefing, the spokesperson remarked, "Taking legal action against Zainab Abbas for her tweets is unwarranted, and she is being unjustly ensnared in this matter."
Baloch underlined that, as the host of the World Cup, it is the responsibility of the Indian government to ensure security. She further stressed that India should also create a conducive environment for the Pakistani cricket team.
Zainab Abbas, the presenter for the 2023 World Cup, recently left India following a complaint filed by an Indian lawyer accusing her of making "anti-Hindu" statements. While there were claims that she was deported from India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) spokesperson confirmed that her departure was due to "personal reasons" and dismissed deportation reports.
An Indian lawyer had sought police action against Abbas for her alleged statements against India and Hinduism.
Zainab Abbas had been announced as one of the presenters for this year's World Cup, and her excitement about the opportunity to travel to India had been evident at the time of the announcement.
Regarding the issuance of visas for Pakistani journalists and fans planning to attend the World Cup, the Foreign Office spokesperson revealed that Islamabad is in communication with Indian authorities. She stated, "We are in contact with Indian authorities regarding this matter and demand the prompt issuance of visas."
It was reported on Tuesday that the Indian embassy had initiated the visa processing for Pakistani journalists intending to cover the ICC event in India. Journalists were directed to submit their passports promptly, but they are still awaiting the issuance of visas.
