Islamabad rubbishes New Delhi’s outcry on 'refusal' of consular access to Sikh pilgrims

Deeply regrettable that facts in matter have been completely distorted, misrepresented: FO


News Desk April 15, 2018
FO Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal. PHOTO: FILE

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sunday quashed Indian claims that its envoy was stopped from meeting Sikh pilgrims terming it "an attempt to mutate the truth."

While responding to a question regarding the statement by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs alleging that the High Commissioner of India was prevented from meeting the visiting Sikh pilgrims, Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal refuted the allegations as baseless.

“It is deeply regrettable that facts in the matter had been completely distorted and misrepresented,” he added.

Indian pilgrims arrive in Pakistan for religious festival

The Indian high commissioner cancelled his visit owing to Sikh protests against New Delhi over the screening of a controversial movie in the country, said the Foreign Office.

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The matter had been brought up with Islamabad and the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and a ''protest'' was registered.

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Consequently, the factual position was communicated to the Indian side, both in Islamabad and New Delhi.

Baisakhi festival: Shehbaz felicitates Sikh community

"We deeply regret this Indian attempt to generate controversy around the visits of Sikh pilgrims and to vitiate the environment of bilateral relations," the statement reads.

"For decades, Pakistan has made excellent arrangements to facilitate the visits of Sikh Yatrees from across the world, including India, and extended protocol, reception, security, medical and other facilities. This is consistent with our religious ethos and traditions of hospitality."

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