Mystery thickens, Bukhari says government cleared Burney’s visit

New Delhi: A day after India “regretted” denying entry to former Pakistan human rights minister Ansar Burney, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Ahmad Bukhari Sunday said the government had given a go-ahead to the rights campaigner’s visit. The schedule of Burney, who was to come here to address an international conference on terrorism that took place Sunday, was conveyed to the external affairs ministry and the home ministry six months ago, Bukhari told reporters.
“The list of delegates was finalized and the confirmed list was sent to both ministries. The government had also sent its letters for visa clearance,” he said.
Bukhari’s remarks triggered speculation about the government’s actual reasons for denying entry after he landed at the airport here Friday night.
Reliable sources said Burney was not allowed to enter India as Pakistan’s new civilian government was not favourably disposed towards his visit at a time when the two countries are trying to resolve at the highest political level the issue of prisoners detained in each other’s country.
Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani had written to President Pervez Musharraf for granting clemency to Sarabjit Singh, accused of his complicity in terrorist blasts in Multan nearly two decades ago.
But the issue of clemency evokes mixed reactions in Pakistan with a section of the establishment unhappy with the way Burney has taken up the cause of Sarabjit Singh and accolades he has earned in India.Burney has suspected the Pakistan government’s hand behind his “deportation” from India.
01/06/08 IANS/Thaindian.com, Thailand

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Categories: Airports May 2008, Foreign May 2008