T-20: Indo-Pak bickering over travel permission continues

The bickering over the travel permission to Pak officials in the High Commission here to watch Pakistan’s T20 World Cup matches escalated on Thursday with Islamabad terming as “misleading” India’s statement that it has allowed 19 mission officials. 

Pakistan High Commission sources also said among those who have not been given permission include Defence Advisor, Press Counsellor, three Political Counsellors, Naval Advisor and Air Force Advisor.

“The High Commission applied for 34 officials to watch four matches two in Kolkata and two in Mohali. They have so far given permission for only 10 which also includes High Commissioner and family members of the officials.

“While permission for Defence Advisor, Press Counsellor, three Political Counsellors, Naval Advisor, Air Force Advisor, and Protocol Assistants have not been given permission. The figure of 19 given by India is misleading,” High Commission sources said here.

On Wednesday, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup had said India had approved travel of 19 Pakistan High Commission officials and was prepared to consider more such requests.