Anupam Kher turns down Pak envoy's offer

Actor Anupam Kher has now turned down the offer of Islamabad’s envoy to New Delhi, Abdul Basit, to issue him a visa to visit Pakistan. The offer came after the actor alleged that he had been denied the travel document by the neighbouring country.

“Thank you Mr @abasitpak1 for your call and offering me visa to visit Karachi. I appreciate it. Unfortunately, I’ve given away those dates now,” Kher posted on Twitter, after receiving a call from Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India.

Islamabad, however, maintained its stand that the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi had not received any application from Kher seeking visa for his proposed visit to Karachi to attend a literature festival.

Kher, who is known for his proximity with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Tuesday alleged that he had been denied visa despite being invited to attend the event.

The Bollywood actor alleged that it was the third time he was denied visa to travel to Pakistan. He also said 17 others who had also been invited to attend the festival had been granted visa. The actor also suggested that the decision might have been influenced by his stand on the issue of Kashmiri Pandits and his support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “@AnupamPkher you are always welcome Sir. You are a great artiste; we respect and admire you,” Basit posted on Twitter.

Kher alleged that the Ministry of Interior of Pakistan government had not given the approval necessary for granting him the visa.

“Dear @abasitpak1, Reality remains that Pak Interior Ministry refused to grant NOC for my visa. 17 others invited also didn’t apply for visa,” tweeted Kher.

The High Commissioner of Pakistan in New Delhi, however, denied the allegation. “@AnupamPkher sorry Sir. I don’t know who told you about this so-called NOC, we are still to receive your visa application and passport,” he posted on Twitter late on Tuesday.