Anupam Kher Says 'Denied Visa' By Pakistan, Envoy Says He Never Applied

Mumbai: Actor Anupam Kher said today that he was "sad and disappointed" that he was denied a visa by Pakistan to attend the Karachi literature festival. He says he has cancelled his visit.

"I am very sad and disappointed that out of 18 participants, 17 were given visa and I was denied it," Mr Kher said.

"Has my visa been denied because I speak about India's rich tradition of tolerance or I am a Kashmiri Pandit who may expose the Pakistan terror nexus?" he questioned.

Mr Kher said he had been "informed that the Pakistan foreign ministry had denied permission" for his visa.
 

Indian Govt welcomes Pakistan based writers, artists, actors etc. Pakistan Govt. bans entry of Indian actors. Why fear a free dialogue?

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) February 2, 2016

Didn't Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs red flag my name to Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi? Why hide facts deliberately?

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) February 2, 2016

I feel bad for all those people who were looking forward to meet me in Pakistan and vice versa. Sorry to them. Hopefully one day ...

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) February 2, 2016

Pakistani officials claim that the veteran actor had not even applied for a visa.

"No visa application was submitted to us, this is what the reality is," Pakistan Envoy Abdul Basit said. Mr Basit also tweeted to the actor.
 

@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

— Abdul Basit (@abasitpak1) February 2, 2016

The Karachi literature festival is to start on Friday.

Mr Kher, 60, was recently named for one of the country's top civilian awards, Padma Bhushan.