India has allowed only two out of seven Delhi-based Pakistani diplomats to travel to Kolkata for the World T-20 cricket match between Pakistan and Bangladesh to be played at the Eden Gardens on March 16. However, sources said those five denied permission is because they have either ‘ISI’ or ‘Defence’ links and cannot be allowed to travel to other cities of India.
Pakistan has termed denial of travel permission to its diplomats as “unfortunate”. Sources in Pakistan High Commission said their Government has taken this up with the Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Islamabad and conveyed that stopping Pak diplomats to attend sporting events is “both disturbing and discouraging” for the India-Pak relations.
Both India and Pakistan issue city specific visas to their diplomats and none from the either side are allowed to step out of the city until they are given permissions. This applies for even journalists and other officials posted in both countries. However, time specific travel permits are given by both sides in special cases to allow diplomats visit other cities to attend conferences or meetings.
“Ministry of External Affairs of India refused permission to Pakistani diplomats who were visiting Kolkata to encourage the Pakistan cricket team. It is unfortunate, unfair and disturbing that India despite being the host of such a big event like the World Cup is refusing to fulfill its obligations as a host and creating hurdles besides dampening positive mood,” a source in Pak embassy said. He further added that this will send a wrong message that diplomacy has decided not to work together.
However, Indian sources made it clear that two persons — one counselor and his wife — have been given clearance to travel to Kolkata for the Pakistan-Bangladesh cricket match, but five will not be given permission as they have ISI and defence links and they cannot take chance with the security of the country.
“Since all flights and hotels in Kolkata are overbooked, we had sought permission days in advance. In fact, we had a very good meeting with MEA officials, where we gave them a comprehensive plan about our diplomats travelling to the cities where Pak team is playing. But now the positive spirit and goodwill generated over the last few days has diminished. We are also forced to pay heavy cancellation charges for hotels and flights,” an official in Pak High Commission told The Pioneer.
The embassy officials now are worried if the travel permission to Pak High Commissioner Abdul Basit will come in time. Basit is scheduled to travel to Kolkata on Thursday where he plans to host a reception for the Pak team.