In a recent development, the Foreign Office Spokesperson of Pakistan, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, criticized India for the controversy surrounding Pakistani presenter Zainab Abbas during the World Cup 2023.
She expressed that the case against Zainab Abbas for her tweets was an unnecessary action and not the right step to take. Foreign Office Spokesperson further added, it is the responsibility of the Indian government to ensure security for the Pakistani citizen and players.
Zainab Abbas, a presenter for the World Cup 2023, left India earlier this week after an Indian lawyer filed a complaint against her, alleging that she had made “anti-Hindu” statements. While some reports suggested she was deported, the International Cricket Council (ICC) clarified that she had left India for “personal reasons” and was not deported.
An Indian lawyer had sought police registration of a complaint against Abbas for her alleged remarks against India and Hinduism. Zainab Abbas was announced as a presenter for the World Cup with much excitement earlier.
During a press briefing, the Foreign Office spokesperson also mentioned that Islamabad was in contact with Indian authorities regarding visas for Pakistani journalists and fans who wanted to attend the World Cup. Pakistan urged India to issue these visas promptly.
It was reported that the Indian embassy had begun processing visas for Pakistani journalists, but they had not received their visas yet. This development came after the Pakistan Cricket Board expressed frustration over the delay in visa issuance for Pakistani fans and journalists, despite the World Cup having started on October 5.
According to ICC regulations, the host country is responsible for issuing visas to fans and journalists to cover the events, but India had not addressed Pakistan’s concerns on this matter.
