Pakistan concerned over growing intolerance

Info minister condemns harassment of PCB officials

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed deep concern after Shiv Sena activists scuppered cricketing talks with India in Mumbai on Monday.

In a statement, the foreign ministry spokesperson said Pakistan has taken serious note of the increasing number of violent protests aimed at disrupting scheduled events in India involving Pakistani nationals.

“Cancellation of the meeting between the PCB chairman and his counterpart in Mumbai, due to the protests by an extremist organisation, is the latest in a series of such incidents that have taken place in the recent past,” Qazi Khalilluah said.

Shiv Sena storms BCCI HQ to protest Indo-Pak cricket meeting

“Effective measures are required to prevent continuous recurrence of such incidents in India,” he stressed.



The series of violent protests against Pakistani nationals comes at a time when relations between Islamabad and New Delhi are at their lowest point in recent years.

Officials in Islamabad are now concerned about the safety and security of the Pakistan cricket team when it plays in the World Twenty20 world cup, scheduled to take place in India early next year.

Pakistan cricket fraternity slams Shiv Sena protest, demand ICC action

A source says the government will take up this issue with India before deciding on whether to send the team for the tournament.

Rashid concerned

Minister for Information Pervaiz Rashid has expressed concern over the rise of Hindu extremists, particularly members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Shiv Sena who have launched an anti-Pakistan and anti-Muslim tirade in India.

Will be happy if Pakistan, India series takes place: ICC chief

In a statement condemning Monday’s incident, he said that the harassment of PCB chief, board member speaks volumes about the rising anti-Pakistan sentiments in India. He also expressed shock and surprise over threats to Pakistani umpire, Aleem Dar.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 20^th, 2015.