KARACHI: On Monday night, Faryal was detained at the venue’s gates by security officers as he attempted to enter the Gaddafi Stadium to watch the Pakistan Super League match between host team Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators.
After venting her rage and aggravation on the social media site, Faryal posted, “They acted like I’m carrying a weapon with me,” on X.
The match-goer, in reality, was not carrying a firearm. She was openly carrying a banner with the words “Palestine Will Be Free,” which infuriated the guards stationed at the entrance.
They warned Faryal, “This is not allowed inside,” as she recounted Dawn the following day. “This is a contentious political statement that could harm certain people. You must leave it here if you wish to enter.
Faryal claimed that his younger siblings, who were with him, were intimidated by the guards’ actions, so he decided not to complain.
Following one of the guidelines published behind the PSL tickets, which states that “Posters, posters, or signage, depicting beliefs, politics, or racial prejudice in the form of words or images are strictly prohibited,” the guards carried out their duties.
Nonetheless, Faryal’s statement supported Pakistan’s position on Israel’s annexation of Palestine.
A just, comprehensive, and long-lasting solution to the Palestinian controversy that is rooted in international law and compliant with pertinent United Nations and OIC resolutions is what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims is necessary for a two-state solution to be implemented.
The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to forbid spectators from carrying a message perceived as more of a humanitarian appeal in light of the deaths of innocent people, including minors, in the going on Israeli aggression on Palestine’s Gaza Strip raises concerns even though the government has made its position on the matter clear.
Pro-Palestine demonstrations have been commonplace in European football, with Celtic’s Green Brigade reiterating their support for the cause during their Scottish Premiership match against Kilmarnock on February 17. They were also present during the recent Asian Cup, but their voice has been quiet in the cricket world.
SOURCE: DAWN NEWS
