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PIPFPD urges Pakistan government to renew the visa of correspondents of Indian newspapers

13 May 2014

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India chapter of Pakistan-India Peoples Forum for Peace & Democracy (PIPFPD) urges Pakistan government to renew the visa of two Indian journalists Meena Menon of The Hindu and Snehesh Philip of PTI. They are based in Islamabad since August last year.

They have been asked to leave Pakistan in a week’s time. Their visa expired in March and since then both have been trying hard to get them renewed. There has been no provocation on their part.

PIPFPD is of the opinion that asking Indian journalists to leave Pakistan will send a wrong message at a critical juncture when elections are taking place and will only help hardliners. In a global world and especially when Indians and Pakistanis want closer ties and a much more open visa policy we are of the opinion that both the countries should allow more journalists into each others country.

The recent statements of Mr. Nawaz Sharif, Pakistans Prime Minister and Mr. Abdul Basit, Pakistans High Commissioner in India are positive as they said they will work with any government which comes to power in India.

We hope the justice will be done and Meena Menon and Snehesh Philips visa will be renewed.’

Asha Hans Jatin Desai
Co-chairperson