Anupam Kher, one of the most diversified actors of Bollywood, was denied Pakistani visa on Tuesday, reports Indian media. The veteran actor desired to travel to Pakistan to attend the Karachi Literature Festival being held on 5th February 2016; however he was denied the visa, according to CNN-IBN News.
“Of 18 people, 17 granted visa except me,” Anupam Kher told the newspaper.
According to the Indian Media, the actor was supposed to attend the Karachi Literature Festival that is scheduled in Karachi for February 5th, 6th, and 7th.
The three-day festival promises 11 sessions that will be carried by 262 speakers, including 38 foreign speakers, whereas eight countries will be represented in the event and 21 books will be launched. Anupam Kher was amongst the key notable Indians speakers for the KLF event.
#BREAKING | Anupam Kher denied visa by Pakistan, was to attend Karachi Literature Festival on 5th Feb
— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 2, 2016
On the other hand, a source in Pakistan High Commission said that the actor has not even applied for a Pakistani visa yet. “He has not submitted a visa application. Please check from him if he has any receipt,” Pakistan High Commission spokesperson Manzoor Ali Memon informed the news reporters.
It’s not the first time that the actor has been denied a Pakistani Visa. Last year, the actor was invited by a Pakistani NGO to attend an event in Lahore. However, the visa application of Kher was rejected on the basis of security reasons.
Soon after the incident, the veteran actor turned towards Twitter and lashed Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs as why he was denied the visa for a second time in a row.
“Have been informed that Pakistan MoFA has denied permission for my visa to participate in the Karachi Literature festival,” Anupam said in a tweet.
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
Pak High Commission shud know their own rules. #KarachiLitFest had given my name to authorities 1 month back & have my name in every poster.
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) February 2, 2016
“Has my visa been denied because I speak about India’s rich tradition of tolerance or I am a Kashmiri Pandit who may expose Pak terror nexus?” Anupam questioned via a tweet.
Has my visa been denied because I speak about India's rich tradition of tolerance or I am a Kashmiri Pandit who may expose Pak terror nexus?
— 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?” he further asked.
“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…,” he added.
Will be presenting all proofs/documents to prove Pakistan High Commission's Lie that i didn't apply for visa. Press Con at 5.30 in my school
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) February 2, 2016
Kher further said that he will present proof and documents to prove the lies of Pakistan High Commission who claim that he didn’t apply for a visa; he even announced holding a press conference at his school.
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
For the Media: It is not possible to take calls from all media people. Pls come to my school at 5.30pm today. Wil talk. #PakistanVisitDenied
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) February 2, 2016
Invitation letter from Ameena Saiyid, Director, #KarachiLitFest dated 30th Oct, 2015. pic.twitter.com/7v9iuj9xHL
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) February 2, 2016
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more updates.
