Pakistan summons Indian Deputy High Commissioner on refusal of travel grant to diplomats

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan today summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner to convey its unhappiness over Indian government's refusal to grant permission to five of its Delhi-based diplomats to travel to Kolkata to watch a World Cup T20 cricket match involving Pakistan.

India, yesterday, did not give travel permission to five out of seven Pakistani diplomats because they were seen as having links with "ISI and defence" organisations.

Foreign Office summoned Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh and told him that clearance should be given to other diplomats also as it was a "big sporting event" and these diplomats were travelling to Kolkata to encourage the Pakistan cricket team, according to sources.

Sources in Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi had termed the denial of travel permission as "unfortunate" and said, "India despite being the host of the World Cup is refusing to fulfil its obligations and creating hurdles,".

Pakistan is playing Bangladesh in a Super 10 Group 2 encounter at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata today. Pakistan and India will also play at the same venue on March 19.