ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office today [Aug 31] said it was actively pursuing the case of 105 Pakistanis recently deported by the Belgian Government. A spokesman … said the Belgian Foreign Office had given an understanding to the Pakistan Ambassador in Brussels that the matter would be discussed with him … before any action was taken. In clear breach of the understanding, he said, the Belgian Government without informing the Embassy deported them on a Belgian aircraft, for which a strong protest has been lodged.

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies from Teheran,] the Shahanshah of Iran opens the Seventh Asian Games tomorrow [Sept 1] at 1,00,000 capacity Aryamehr Stadium at a ceremony expected to create sports history. The meet opens the door for China to compete officially at the international level for the first time since they left the international sports bodies in 1958. … Pakistan contingent which impressed by their March-past at the full dress rehearsal this evening, will be led by flag bearer Abdul Rashid, hockey captain. … The strength of the contingent has risen to 161. … Pahalawans will give a display of traditional Iranian sports and traditional folk dances.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2024