Visa extensions to Indian journalists refused for their 'unfriendly activities': Official

Pakistan would stick to the bilateral agreement to allow two correspondents to be stationed in the others capital.


Kamran Yousaf May 14, 2014
Snehesh Alex Philip of the Press Trust of India and Meena Menon of The Hindu were officially asked to leave the country by 20 May. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has refused to extend visas of two Indian journalists based in Islamabad for their alleged ‘unfriendly activities,’ officials said on Wednesday.

Snehesh Alex Philip of the Press Trust of India and Meena Menon of The Hindu were officially asked to leave the country by 20 May.

The PTI correspondent confirmed to The Express Tribune that he and his other Indian colleague had received a letter from the Pakistani government stating that their visas were only valid till May 20, 2014.

“No reason was given for the decision,” Snehesh added.

However, a senior foreign office official disclosed that the Indian journalists were asked to leave after their activities were found ‘incompatible to their professional mandate.’

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, did not provide any further explanation.

However, the official made it clear that Pakistan would stick to the bilateral agreement under which the two countries have a reciprocal arrangement of allowing two correspondents from each country to be stationed in the other’s capital, hinting at the possibility that Pakistan may accept their replacements.

The official complained that India was not showing any respect to the bilateral agreements particularly recent denial of visas to 500 Pakistani pilgrims intending to travel to Ajmer Sharif.

“They have not even provided counselor access to our truck driver,” the official added, suggesting that the expulsion may also be part of a larger diplomatic row.

However, he said despite India’s disregard to such bilateral arrangements, Pakistan was ready to issue visas to replace the ‘expelled’ journalists.

“We are willing to hasten visas for their replacements,” he added.

India calls journalists' expulsion a 'retrograde step'

Meanwhile, in a strong reaction, India termed as "regrettable and unfortunate" the expulsion of the two Indian correspondents in Pakistan and said not allowing independent journalists to function was a "retrograde step".

Asserting that free flow of information between India and Pakistan has long been recognised as an important confidence building measure, the Indian external affairs ministry spokesperson said this confidence building measure (CBM) should be safeguarded by all concerned.

"It is regrettable and unfortunate that the two Indian correspondents in Pakistan have been asked to leave prematurely and suddenly only a few months after their arrival there.”

"Not allowing independent journalists to function is a retrograde step especially as free flow of information between India and Pakistan has long been recognised as an important confidence building measure," the spokesperson said.

COMMENTS (15)

peace | 9 years ago | Reply

Dear india! Freedom of speach and press, that is the reason India does not allow any pakistani tv channel there. Shame

Gratgy | 9 years ago | Reply

@Polpot If frienship is the criteria I and only I qualify,….just read my postings on ET. ET pls support my candidature.

You have my small hearted support

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