No selfies with Qandeel Baloch: Muslim cleric in Pakistan suspended after taking photos with her

Despite the growing warmth and bonhomie between India and Pakistan, the latter doesn’t seem to have jumped on the selfie bandwagon like our leaders back home. A Muslim cleric was suspended by the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf on Wednesday after pictures of him with social media sensation Qandeel Baloch went viral, reports Dawn.  

The matter has been referred to National Ulema Mushaikh Council for further action. A spokesman said: “Qavi will not be allowed to attend meetings of the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee and National Ulema Mushaikh Council until further orders. Mufti Qavi's fate will be decided after the opinion of the National Ulema Mushaikh Council regarding his selfies and behavior," the spokesman said.

The selfies were uploaded by Baloch on Monday. Qavi, the suspended cleric, said that it was Baloch who requested a meeting, came to his hotel room and took the photo. In a video which was also uploaded on her page, Qavi can be heard saying he will guide Baloch on ‘spiritual and religious issues’. 

During the World T20 tournament, Baloch had made news for promising to strip for Shahid Afridi if Pakistan beat India (which they didn’t). After the loss, the Pakistani model completely lost her cool, lashing out at Afridi and co, and then switched sides to express her love for Virat Kohli. It’s rumoured that Baloch will be part of season 10 of Bigg Boss India.