OKARA (Staff Report) – Pakistani police have arrested a man in Okara district of Punjab for hoisting an Indian flag at the roof of his house, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The young man, identified as Umar Daraz, told police officials that he was a fan of Indian cricketer Virat Kohli and that he hoisted the Indian flag after India won first Twenty20 against Australia in Adelaide.
The report quoted an unnamed policeman as saying that they were Tuesday informed by the locals about Indian flag hositing on a house, at which they raided the place leading to the arrest of Umar Daraz.
A case was also registered against Umar Dram under MPO-16 and Section 123-A of Pakistan Penal Code.
Afterwards police produced Umar Daraz in a local court which sent him to jail on judicial remand.
“I am a big fan of Virat Kohli. I support the Indian team because of Virat Kohli. Hoisting of Indian flag on my house only shows my love for the Indian cricketer,” Draz told reporters.
Draz said he had no idea that he committed a crime and urged the authorities to pardon him. He said he should be seen as “an Indian cricketer’s fan and not as a spy”.
Poster size photographs of Kohli were also found pasted on the walls of his house.
MPO-16 allows local police officials to arrest any person who is dangerous for peaceful environment. While section 123-A which states “Condemnation of the creation of the State, and advocacy of abolition of its sovereignty,” deals with offences against state.
