Actor Anupam Kher has claimed that he had been been denied visa by Pakistan to attend the Karachi Literature Fest, scheduled to be held later this week.
Speaking to CNN-IBN, Kher said he was disappointed on being denied the visa adding that 17 out of 18 people were granted the visa while he was the only one who wasn’t granted the same.
Earlier, the actor had tweeted implying that the delay was the ‘deadliest form of denial.’
"Delay is the deadliest form of denial.":)
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) February 2, 2016
Explaining the reason for accepting the invitation from the organisers of the Karachi Lit Fest, Kher told ANI, “Art and culture don’t have boundaries,so I had agreed for the Karachi Literature Festival. Maybe its due to my point of view on Kashmiri Pandits or my pro-PM stand.”
The Pakistan High Commission clarified that Kher had not even applied for the visa.
But, Kher alleged that Pakistan High Commission ‘was lying’ adding that he would request ‘my government’ to raise the issue with Pakistan.
The controversial actor has been in the news after critics questioned the merit to honour him with a top government honour, Padma Bhushan award.
However, the twitter users were quick to post tweets, mostly mocking the actor.
Here is a snapshot of twitter conversation;
https://twitter.com/SirZaidHamid/status/694424345674977280
Pakistan denies visa to @AnupamPkher ….now let's see how many Pakistani artists/stars raise their voice against it & support Kher saab.
— Paresh Rawal fan (@Babu_Bhaiyaa) February 2, 2016
Shocked that Kher denied visa despite not applying
Amazed he didn't win Iowa primary despite not being a candidatehttps://t.co/mQCmsj6cnT
— Rakesh Sharma (@rakeshfilm) February 2, 2016
Pakistan denies visa to Anupam Kher to attend Karachi Literature Festival. Why would they deny permission such a good writer?
— Madhavan Narayanan (@madversity) February 2, 2016
After being denied a Visa to Pakistan,
Anupam Kher in talks with Giriraj Singh for direct deportation to Pakistan for Free.
— AAP Ka Mehta (@DaaruBaazMehta) February 2, 2016
If modi doesn't need to apply for visa why does anupam kher?
Is he not our pm too?— ??????????? ???? (@priyashmita) February 2, 2016
Very contradictory signals coming from Pakistan,visa denial to Anupam Kher is unfortunate-RK Singh,Former Home Secy pic.twitter.com/BH0qRjMxad
— ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2016
Pak High Commission: Anupama Kher has not submitted any visa application
Please check if he has any receipt (of application).— Manu Pubby (@manupubby) February 2, 2016
Anupam kher denied Pakistan visa, n they r showing it on news as if the world has stopped.. @TimesNow thr r more imp issues 2 b addressed
— kashif Qureshi (@kashiflion) February 2, 2016
hate filled Pak 1st ethnically cleansed J&K of Kashmiri Pandits, now refusing visa to KPandit Anupam Kher. their hatred has no limits.
— Silver ?? (@Si_lv_er) February 2, 2016
Here is my Plan-B to enter Pakistan, ab visa bhi denge aur salaam bhi denge. Aadab ho 🙂 pic.twitter.com/CLtmCSFaz2
— Rofl Gandhi 2.0 (@RoflGandhi_) February 2, 2016
Here is my Plan-C to enter Pakistan, Bhai ki help se Karachi jayega tumhara bhai..Bajrangi ki Jai ho 🙂 pic.twitter.com/LZNjGPBdt3
— Rofl Gandhi 2.0 (@RoflGandhi_) February 2, 2016
https://twitter.com/RoflGandhi_/status/694415398125502464
Plan E could be a little trickier, planning to visit Pakistan as their Sri Lankan bowling coach 🙂 pic.twitter.com/lAjIgzHtCA
— Rofl Gandhi 2.0 (@RoflGandhi_) February 2, 2016
More to come