Former Pakistan women’s team captain Sana Mir retained her place in the commentary panel for India’s marquee game against Pakistan in the Women’s 50-over World Cup despite facing social media backlash for referring to ‘Azad Kashmir’ in one of her earlier remarks. The incident occurred during Pakistan’s tournament opener against Bangladesh at the R Premadasa Stadium – the venue for the ongoing India-Pakistan game. Calling out the game from the commentary box, Mir mentioned Azad Kashmir while talking about batter Natalia Pervaiz’s background, igniting a social media debate.&nbsp;“…captaining a very young side. Yes, they have won the qualifiers, but a lot of these players are new. Natalia, who comes from Kashmir, Azad Kashmir, plays in Lahore a lot cricket. She has to come to Lahore to play most of her cricket there,” Mir said on live commentary.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indw-vs-pakw-wwc-2025-team-india-continues-no-handshake-stance-against-pakistan-1759661968676">IND-W vs PAK-W, WWC 2025: Team India continues no-handshake stance against Pakistan</a> &nbsp;However, the fans strongly criticised her remarks on social media, urging the ICC to remove Sana Mir from the commentary panel for politicising the broadcast. The former captain, however, issued a clarification on her statement, saying it was exaggerated beyond its actual significance. Taking to her X handle, Mir wrote,&nbsp; &nbsp;"It's unfortunate how things are being blown out of proportion and people in sports are being subjected to unnecessary pressure. It is sad that this requires an explanation at the public level. &nbsp;"My comment about a Pakistan player's hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced of coming from a certain region in Pakistan and her incredible journey. It is part of the storytelling we do as commentators, as where the players come from. I did that today for two other players coming from other regions, too. Please don’t politicise it. As a commentator on the World Feed, we are meant to focus on the sport, teams, and players, highlighting inspiring stories of grit and perseverance. There is no malice in my heart or any intention to hurt sentiments. &nbsp;"I am also attaching the screenshot of where I research most of my players from, whether from Pakistan or any other country. I realise that they have changed it by now, but this is what I was referring to." &nbsp;Meanwhile, despite facing scrutiny over the same, Mir retained her place in the commentary panel for her side’s massive World Cup clash against India. Although she did not feature on Star Sports’ commentary panel, which is India’s official broadcaster for the event, a screenshot of her calling out the match has gone viral on social media.&nbsp; &nbsp;Perhaps for a Pakistani channel, Mir continues to be part of the world feed panel. In the image, she is seen discussing the game with former India captain Anjum Chopra, who also dons a commentator’s hat for this cricket spectacle.

Calling out the game from the commentary box, Mir mentioned Azad Kashmir while talking about batter Natalia Pervaiz’s background, igniting a social media debate.

Former Pakistan women’s team captain Sana Mir retained her place in the commentary panel for India’s marquee game against Pakistan in the Women’s 50-over World Cup despite facing social media backlash for referring to ‘Azad Kashmir’ in one of her earlier remarks. The incident occurred during Pakistan’s tournament opener against Bangladesh at the R Premadasa Stadium – the venue for the ongoing India-Pakistan game. Calling out the game from the commentary box, Mir mentioned Azad Kashmir while talking about batter Natalia Pervaiz’s background, igniting a social media debate. “…captaining a very young side. Yes, they have won the qualifiers, but a lot of these players are new. Natalia, who comes from Kashmir, Azad Kashmir, plays in Lahore a lot cricket. She has to come to Lahore to play most of her cricket there,” Mir said on live commentary. Also read | IND-W vs PAK-W, WWC 2025: Team India continues no-handshake stance against Pakistan However, the fans strongly criticised her remarks on social media, urging the ICC to remove Sana Mir from the commentary panel for politicising the broadcast. The former captain, however, issued a clarification on her statement, saying it was exaggerated beyond its actual significance. Taking to her X handle, Mir wrote, "It's unfortunate how things are being blown out of proportion and people in sports are being subjected to unnecessary pressure. It is sad that this requires an explanation at the public level. "My comment about a Pakistan player's hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced of coming from a certain region in Pakistan and her incredible journey. It is part of the storytelling we do as commentators, as where the players come from. I did that today for two other players coming from other regions, too. Please don’t politicise it. As a commentator on the World Feed, we are meant to focus on the sport, teams, and players, highlighting inspiring stories of grit and perseverance. There is no malice in my heart or any intention to hurt sentiments. "I am also attaching the screenshot of where I research most of my players from, whether from Pakistan or any other country. I realise that they have changed it by now, but this is what I was referring to." Meanwhile, despite facing scrutiny over the same, Mir retained her place in the commentary panel for her side’s massive World Cup clash against India. Although she did not feature on Star Sports’ commentary panel, which is India’s official broadcaster for the event, a screenshot of her calling out the match has gone viral on social media. Perhaps for a Pakistani channel, Mir continues to be part of the world feed panel. In the image, she is seen discussing the game with former India captain Anjum Chopra, who also dons a commentator’s hat for this cricket spectacle.

Calling out the game from the commentary box, Mir mentioned Azad Kashmir while talking about batter Natalia Pervaiz’s background, igniting a social media debate.

IND-W vs PAK-W, WWC 2025: Despite ‘Azad Kashmir’ remark, ex-PAK captain retains commentary panel spot

Donald Blome, the United States' representative to Pakistan, visited Pakistan-occupied Kashmir this past week. What is not believed to sit well with India is that Blome repeatedly referred to PoK as AJK (Azad Kashmir, the contentious term used by Pakistan to refer to the area) during his tour there.&nbsp;

India does not appreciate references to the area as Azad Kashmir since it views Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, or PoK, as its own. According to New Delhi, Pakistan forcibly occupied the area in 1947.

The Indian ministry of external affairs&nbsp;criticised US Congresswoman Ilham Omar's trip to PoK in April of this year and referred to her as a proponent of "narrow-minded politics."

Omar attempted to incite India during her visit to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) by raising the topic of the Narendra Modi administration's repeal of Article 370 and claims of human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-top-islamic-state-terrorists-killed-in-us-air-raids-conducted-in-syria-523162">Two top Islamic State terrorists killed in US air raids conducted in Syria</a>

It should be mentioned that the US envoy was in PoK on an official visit as part of initiatives to repair the region's historical and cultural landmarks and to draw attention to American aid provided to Pakistan in the wake of the 2005 earthquake and the most recent, devastating floods.

The US envoy's travel to PoK coincides with efforts by the Biden administration to engage <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-ministers-walk-out-during-presidents-speech-523203">Pakistan</a> following the Donald Trump administration's isolation of Islamabad over allegations that it was not sincere in combating terrorism.

In response to the US effort to patch things up with Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that "the relationship between the US and Islamabad will neither serve the interests of America nor of Pakistan."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Donald Blome, the United States' representative to Pakistan, visited Pakistan-occupied Kashmir this past week. What is not believed to sit well with India is that Blome repeatedly referred to PoK as AJK (Azad Kashmir, the contentious term used by Pakistan to refer to the area) during his tour there.

Donald Blome, the United States' representative to Pakistan, visited Pakistan-occupied Kashmir this past week. What is not believed to sit well with India is that Blome repeatedly referred to PoK as AJK (Azad Kashmir, the contentious term used by Pakistan to refer to the area) during his tour there. India does not appreciate references to the area as Azad Kashmir since it views Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, or PoK, as its own. According to New Delhi, Pakistan forcibly occupied the area in 1947. The Indian ministry of external affairs criticised US Congresswoman Ilham Omar's trip to PoK in April of this year and referred to her as a proponent of "narrow-minded politics." Omar attempted to incite India during her visit to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) by raising the topic of the Narendra Modi administration's repeal of Article 370 and claims of human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir. Also read | Two top Islamic State terrorists killed in US air raids conducted in Syria It should be mentioned that the US envoy was in PoK on an official visit as part of initiatives to repair the region's historical and cultural landmarks and to draw attention to American aid provided to Pakistan in the wake of the 2005 earthquake and the most recent, devastating floods. The US envoy's travel to PoK coincides with efforts by the Biden administration to engage Pakistan following the Donald Trump administration's isolation of Islamabad over allegations that it was not sincere in combating terrorism. In response to the US effort to patch things up with Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that "the relationship between the US and Islamabad will neither serve the interests of America nor of Pakistan." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US envoy, during visit to PoK, refers to the region as ‘Azad Kashmir’, stirs controversy

Political activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) carried out a protest rally in Rawalpindi city against the Karachi Agreement.

Executed on April 28, 1949, between the Government of Pakistan and the then Government of Azad Kashmir, the Karachi Agreement was very much in Pakistan's favour and deprived the people of PoK of significant powers and responsibilities.

Jamil Maqsood, a leader of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), Brussels said, "While critically analysing the agreement, we get to know that Pakistan was made responsible for the administration of the region, not for the development of the region. Not even a single point is mentioned about Pakistan establishment developing the region. You took control of a large area and declared 4,000 square miles of area independent (Azad Kashmir), while you gave control of the 28,000 square miles to Pakistan without taking assent of the legitimate local administration."

The 1949 Karachi Agreement was essentially formulated by Islamabad to ratify Pakistan's administrative control over the region without consulting any shareholder of the region.

Pakistan has since then been perpetrating worst forms of humanitarian crimes on the people of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan.

"When Pakistan took control of this region, then instead of giving people their fundamental, political, social, democratic and national rights, they declared the name of the region as Northern areas. This region was removed from our syllabus and was added to Pakistan and a narrative was built for the people of Pakistan that this region was being added to Pakistan and this is not even remotely connected with the reality," Maqsood added.

The people in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan are now demanding an immediate abolishment of the agreement with all rights conferred to citizens in letter and spirit.

"We reject all aspects (of agreement) in fact, the whole Karachi Agreement. Today, the circumstances are completely different from the time when the agreement was signed and if the Pakistani government is really serious about resolving the issues of these two regions (Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan), then it should abolish both the councils of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan and merge them into one with an appropriate representation from both regions," Maqsood said.

The people of PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan have suffered decades of discrimination and persecution, owing to skewed policies and agreements framed by Islamabad.

There have been massive social and economic depredations in the region at the hands of state-sponsored machinery. It is high time that Pakistan takes cognizance of the growing resentment amongst the people of the region before it transmutes into something unmanageable. 
&nbsp;

Executed on April 28, 1949, between the Government of Pakistan and the then Government of Azad Kashmir, the Karachi Agreement was very much in Pakistan's favour and deprived the people of PoK of significant powers and responsibilities

Political activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) carried out a protest rally in Rawalpindi city against the Karachi Agreement. Executed on April 28, 1949, between the Government of Pakistan and the then Government of Azad Kashmir, the Karachi Agreement was very much in Pakistan's favour and deprived the people of PoK of significant powers and responsibilities. Jamil Maqsood, a leader of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), Brussels said, "While critically analysing the agreement, we get to know that Pakistan was made responsible for the administration of the region, not for the development of the region. Not even a single point is mentioned about Pakistan establishment developing the region. You took control of a large area and declared 4,000 square miles of area independent (Azad Kashmir), while you gave control of the 28,000 square miles to Pakistan without taking assent of the legitimate local administration." The 1949 Karachi Agreement was essentially formulated by Islamabad to ratify Pakistan's administrative control over the region without consulting any shareholder of the region. Pakistan has since then been perpetrating worst forms of humanitarian crimes on the people of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan. "When Pakistan took control of this region, then instead of giving people their fundamental, political, social, democratic and national rights, they declared the name of the region as Northern areas. This region was removed from our syllabus and was added to Pakistan and a narrative was built for the people of Pakistan that this region was being added to Pakistan and this is not even remotely connected with the reality," Maqsood added. The people in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan are now demanding an immediate abolishment of the agreement with all rights conferred to citizens in letter and spirit. "We reject all aspects (of agreement) in fact, the whole Karachi Agreement. Today, the circumstances are completely different from the time when the agreement was signed and if the Pakistani government is really serious about resolving the issues of these two regions (Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan), then it should abolish both the councils of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan and merge them into one with an appropriate representation from both regions," Maqsood said. The people of PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan have suffered decades of discrimination and persecution, owing to skewed policies and agreements framed by Islamabad. There have been massive social and economic depredations in the region at the hands of state-sponsored machinery. It is high time that Pakistan takes cognizance of the growing resentment amongst the people of the region before it transmutes into something unmanageable.

Activists demand abolition of 1949 Karachi Agreement which gives Pakistan control over PoK

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is considering an array of factors as the country braces up for the appointment of next army chief, the Dawn has reported.&nbsp; 
 
Lieutenant general Zubair Hayat, lieutenant&nbsp;general Ishfaq Nadeem Ahmed, lieutenant&nbsp; general Javed Iqbal Ramday, and lieutenant &nbsp;general Qamar Javed Bajwa are the four prospective candidates to take over lieutenant general Raheel Sharif, the report says.&nbsp; 
 
Interestingly, the daily mentions that among that the Pakistan Prime Minister is relying on intelligence inputs for the selection process and &#39;India factor&#39; would also be one of the aspects that would be considered &nbsp;by Sharif.&nbsp; 
 
The prospective candidates&#39; views on foreign policy issues, particularly ties with India, is another point of consideration for Shairf, the Dawn says.&nbsp; 
 
Quoting an anonymous politician, who is close to Sharif, the daily says that the Pakistan Prime Minister has considered officers who have been directly in contact with him. 
 
Meanwhile, Lt Gen Bajwa is said to consider extremism a bigger threat for the country than India even after his extreme involvement in Kashmir and northern areas, the report reads.&nbsp; 
 
While on the other hand, Lt Gen Hayat has worked in the artillery and is currently serving in the chief of general staff. Further, Lt Gen Ramday is ex-president of the National Defence University in Islamabad and now leads the Bahawalpur corps, it says.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Gen Raheel Sharif would not like to become controversial and would not like the Prime Minister to use his recommendation as an excuse to distort the seniority list,&quot; a retired general was quoted as saying. 
 
(WION)&nbsp;

'The prospective candidates' views on foreign policy issues, particularly ties with India, is point of consideration for Pakistan PM'

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is considering an array of factors as the country braces up for the appointment of next army chief, the Dawn has reported. Lieutenant general Zubair Hayat, lieutenant general Ishfaq Nadeem Ahmed, lieutenant general Javed Iqbal Ramday, and lieutenant general Qamar Javed Bajwa are the four prospective candidates to take over lieutenant general Raheel Sharif, the report says. Interestingly, the daily mentions that among that the Pakistan Prime Minister is relying on intelligence inputs for the selection process and 'India factor' would also be one of the aspects that would be considered by Sharif. The prospective candidates' views on foreign policy issues, particularly ties with India, is another point of consideration for Shairf, the Dawn says. Quoting an anonymous politician, who is close to Sharif, the daily says that the Pakistan Prime Minister has considered officers who have been directly in contact with him. Meanwhile, Lt Gen Bajwa is said to consider extremism a bigger threat for the country than India even after his extreme involvement in Kashmir and northern areas, the report reads. While on the other hand, Lt Gen Hayat has worked in the artillery and is currently serving in the chief of general staff. Further, Lt Gen Ramday is ex-president of the National Defence University in Islamabad and now leads the Bahawalpur corps, it says. "Gen Raheel Sharif would not like to become controversial and would not like the Prime Minister to use his recommendation as an excuse to distort the seniority list," a retired general was quoted as saying. (WION)

Pakistan's next army chief may be decided based on 'India factor', reports Dawn?
?

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IND-W vs PAK-W, WWC 2025: Despite ‘Azad Kashmir’ remark, ex-PAK captain retains commentary panel spot

US envoy, during visit to PoK, refers to the region as ‘Azad Kashmir’, stirs controversy

Activists demand abolition of 1949 Karachi Agreement which gives Pakistan control over PoK

Pakistan's next army chief may be decided based on 'India factor', reports Dawn? ?