Alam freed after brief detention at Russian airport

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign ministry said pop singer Fakhre Alam, who is attempting to fly around the world in 28 days, has been released by officials in Russia after briefly detaining him upon his arrival in the country with an expired visa.

In Tuesday’s statement, it said Alam embarked on the journey earlier this month to become the first Pakistani to fly around the world.

The foreign ministry said Alam landed at a remote Russian airport on Monday about 6,000 kilometres from Moscow.

Pakistan has thanked the Russian authorities for renewing Alam’s visa, enabling him to resume his trip.

Pakistan has traditionally been in the US sphere of influence but incident comes amid an increase in ties between Islamabad and Moscow.

Prominent actor Faysal Quraishi on Monday shared the news of Alam’s arrest on his social media accounts.

“I appeal to Pak government to request Russian government to allow me to continue my journey to Alaska. I don’t want to give up my mission. I need Pakistan’s support to carry on our flag to finish this. I have been in a room without food or water. No Wifi. They didn’t give me my phone for 6 hours. I need help,” Quraishi further said on behalf of Alam.

Taking to Twitter while being in Japan a day earlier, Alam left a message for his supporters and cited of how unbelievable it is to have a dream come to reality as he hangs around.

He said there’s a tough time ahead of him as he reaches the other side of the planet through different time zones, only to stay alert for the onward northern specifics crossing that is to come with extreme freezing temperatures.

“From here, I will depart in the wee hours so I reach till the northern Japan, pick fuel and head towards Russia and cross the water as most of my flight in the coming days will be above the seas.

“I seek your prayers so Mission Parwaaz reaches its final destination. The people in Japan are very beautiful and civilised. It’s an entirely civilised structure and very clean. You wouldn’t spot any garbage on the road,” he said in a video message. I hope Allah bless my country with the same cleanliness, kindliness and the urge to live with love, respect and care.”