By IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan Wednesday lodged a strong protest with India over the refusal of visa to Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed to watch the second one-day cricket match between the two countries.
Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson confirmed that the Indian High Commission in Islamabad had declined the visa.
Indian Deputy High Commissioner was summoned to the foreign office and a strong protest was lodged as this is not in keeping with the normal practice as well as efforts to improve relations between the two countries, the Online news agency quoted the spokesman as saying.
Ahmed was planning to visit Mohali for Thursday’s match as a gesture of support and encouragement to Pakistan’s cricket team.
Earlier, Ahmed told IANS here he is “dejected” with the refusal.
The invitation for the visit to watch the ongoing cricket series was extended to him by his counterpart in India, Lalu Prasad, he said.
“I don’t know why they have refused me the visa…but I am dejected,” Ahmed said, adding that this was the ideal time to visit India.