Greece bans entry of Pakistani athlete Mona Khan

The government in Greece has banned entry of Pakistani TV anchor and marathon runner Mona Khan into the country for five years, and also ordered her to leave Greece within 20 days, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday, quoting diplomatic sources.

The Greek authorities also added Mona Khan’s name in Schengen Information System so she cannot travel to another Schengen country, otherwise she will be banned from all Schengen member countries. She can, however, travel to any other Schengen country after returning to Pakistan first.

Mona Khan was arrested by Greek police for waving Pakistani flag during hiking on Mount Olympus. Later, she was released after the Pakistani Foreign Office intervened.

Mona Khan’s named was also added to national security list by the Greek authorities 24 hours before her arrest but they did not divulge the reasons.

Mona Khan was released by the Greek authorities on Sunday on the swift action of Pakistan’s embassy in Greece.

According to FO spokesperson, Mona Khan had been released from detention and moved to Athens to meet her son there.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed the embassy’s proactive measures, stating, “The Pakistani Embassy hired a lawyer and ensured consular access to Mona Khan. Embassy officials visited her in jail to provide support and facilitate her release.”