Latest news with #foreignoffice
Arab News
7 days ago
- Sport
- Arab News
Pakistan won't send hockey teams to India — official sources
KARACHI: Pakistan will not travel to India for upcoming hockey tournaments over 'security' concerns, government sources told AFP on Saturday, potentially jeopardizing their place in next year's World Cup. The nuclear-armed neighbors traded the worst violence in decades during a four-day conflict in May that killed 70 people. Pakistan was due to participate in the Men's Asia Cup for field hockey to be hosted by India in August and September, for which the federation had sought the government's clearance. 'After the recent war the security and safety of our hockey players will be at risk,' said a sports ministry source, who asked not to be identified. Pakistan will also not participate in the Junior World Cup in India in November, the source said. Once a force in international hockey, with three Olympic gold medals and four world titles, Pakistan has slumped to 15th in the rankings. Not featuring in the Asia Cup will likely cost Pakistan a place in next year's senior World Cup to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium. A second government source also confirmed the decision to AFP. Pakistan's foreign office has not responded to AFP's request for comment. India stalled all bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which it blamed on militants based across the border. Cricket has been the most affected sport, with the two countries only meeting each other in multinational events abroad. India refused to visit Pakistan this year when it hosted the Champions Trophy, forcing the final to be staged on neutral ground in Dubai. In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan will also not send its women's cricket team to India for the 50-over World Cup later this year and the T20 World Cup in 2026. They agreed instead to play their matches in Sri Lanka. Pakistan's hockey team last toured India for the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, finishing fifth among six teams.
France 24
7 days ago
- Politics
- France 24
Pakistan won't send hockey teams to India: govt sources
The nuclear-armed neighbours traded the worst violence in decades during a four-day conflict in May that killed 70 people. Pakistan was due to participate in the Men's Asia Cup for field hockey to be hosted by India in August and September, for which the federation had sought the government's clearance. "After the recent war the security and safety of our hockey players will be at risk," said a sports ministry source, who asked not to be identified. Pakistan will also not participate in the Junior World Cup in India in November, the source said. Once a force in international hockey, with three Olympic gold medals and four world titles, Pakistan has slumped to 15th in the rankings. Not featuring in the Asia Cup will likely cost Pakistan a place in next year's senior World Cup to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium. A second government source also confirmed the decision to AFP. Pakistan's foreign office has not responded to AFP's request for comment. India stalled all bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which it blamed on militants based across the border. Cricket has been the most affected sport, with the two countries only meeting each other in multinational events abroad. India refused to visit Pakistan this year when it hosted the Champions Trophy, forcing the final to be staged on neutral ground in Dubai. In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan will also not send its women's cricket team to India for the 50-over World Cup later this year and the T20 World Cup in 2026. They agreed instead to play their matches in Sri Lanka.
Malay Mail
7 days ago
- Sport
- Malay Mail
Hockey showdown off as Pakistan skips India tournaments, citing safety concerns
KARACHI, July 12 — Pakistan will not travel to India for upcoming hockey tournaments over 'security' concerns, government sources told AFP on Saturday, potentially jeopardising their place in next year's World Cup. The nuclear-armed neighbours traded the worst violence in decades during a four-day conflict in May that killed 70 people. Pakistan was due to participate in the Men's Asia Cup for field hockey to be hosted by India in August and September, for which the federation had sought the government's clearance. 'After the recent war the security and safety of our hockey players will be at risk,' said a sports ministry source, who asked not to be identified. Pakistan will also not participate in the Junior World Cup in India in November, the source said. Once a force in international hockey, with three Olympic gold medals and four world titles, Pakistan has slumped to 15th in the rankings. Not featuring in the Asia Cup will likely cost Pakistan a place in next year's senior World Cup to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium. A second government source also confirmed the decision to AFP. Pakistan's foreign office has not responded to AFP's request for comment. India stalled all bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which it blamed on militants based across the border. Cricket has been the most affected sport, with the two countries only meeting each other in multinational events abroad. India refused to visit Pakistan this year when it hosted the Champions Trophy, forcing the final to be staged on neutral ground in Dubai. In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan will also not send its women's cricket team to India for the 50-over World Cup later this year and the T20 World Cup in 2026. They agreed instead to play their matches in Sri Lanka. Pakistan's hockey team last toured India for the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, finishing fifth amongst six teams. — AFP
Arab News
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan decries use of torture in Palestine, Kashmir on UN anti-torture day
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday expressed grave concern over the use of torture as a tool of repression in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Indian-administered Kashmir, accusing the 'occupying powers' of systematically inflicting abuse to suppress demands for self-determination. The statement came on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, marked each year on June 26 to promote the eradication of torture and support survivors. The UN General Assembly designated the day in 1997, coinciding with the anniversary of the 1987 entry into force of the UN Convention Against Torture. Human rights groups have long reported widespread abuse in both Palestine and Kashmir, including arbitrary detentions, custodial beatings and torture, particularly of young men and boys. 'The people of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) continue to be subjected to the worst forms of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment by the occupying powers to suppress their right to self-determination,' the foreign office said in a statement. Reaffirming its commitment to human dignity and justice, Pakistan said it was strengthening legal reforms, institutional safeguards and oversight mechanisms to prevent torture and promote accountability. It also underscored its provision of medical, legal, and psycho-social support to victims. Citing the values of justice and compassion in religious teachings, the foreign ministry said any act of torture was incompatible with Islam and international law. Pakistan called on the international community to condemn what it described as systematic crimes by occupying forces and to take steps to hold them accountable.
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Furious Brits stuck in Israel slam Foreign Office for failing to evacuate them from Iran's ballistic missile blitz
BRITONS stuck in Israel say the Foreign Office has abandoned them to their fate by failing to help them flee from Iran's ballistic missile blitz. They claim officials have refused to draw up evacuation plans and are instead telling those trying to leave that they should take a risky bus journey to Egypt or Jordan. 2 2 There are up to 60,000 British citizens who live in Israel and more are likely to have been visiting as the air battle with Iran began. Those stranded are also angry that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, led by David Lammy, evacuated the families of diplomats working at the Embassy in Tel Aviv but offered them nothing. Israeli airspace has been shut since last week and the only flights entering are IDF repatriation jets. Max Radford, who is stuck in Tel Aviv, said he had 'no clear sight' on when he might get back to the UK. He hit out at the advice to head to Jordan or Egypt with little shelter on route. He told TalkTV it was against local guidance to hunker down, adding: 'What are you supposed to do? Hide in a sand dune if there's a rocket attack.' 'There is no way that I'm making my way to Jordan or Egypt, which are not particularly friendly countries. What should be happening is preparation in Cyprus. It's 30 minutes to an hour away on a flight. It's 200km by vessel. 'The Foreign Office guidance is absolutely ludicrous.' Judah, who is also stuck in Tel Aviv, told TalkTV that he had called the Foreign Office but was given 'zero advice or help or a return phone call'. An FCDO spokesman said: 'The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority. We recognise this is a fast-moving situation that has the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning. That is why we are encouraging British nationals to register their presence and pay close attention to travel advice.'
