Indian peace activists denied visa by Pakistan

A group of over 50 pro-Palestine Indian activists, who were scheduled to begin a road trip to Gaza via Pakistan on Thursday, have been denied visas by the Pakistan government citing 'security reasons'.

The activists were scheduled to leave for Palestine on Thursday along with a few people from other countries like Japan and Malaysia by road through Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt, before entering Gaza with medical aid.

But the Pakistan high commission in Delhi has denied visas to the Indian activists citing 'security reasons' as the route they will take is a 'very tough one'. Ashim Roy, one of the organisers of the month-long road journey to Gaza, said the Indian contingent's application for visa has been rejected.

"We have been denied visa for security reasons. We were to travel from India to Palestine through Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and Balochistan in Pakistan. They have cited the situation in the areas as reasons for denial of visa," he said.

The denial of visa comes on the heels of India denying visa to former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf to India to participate in a programme.

But it was not clear whether the two are linked as Musharraf's relations with the present government in Pakistan are not that cosy. Roy said they have requested the high commission to grant them visa to travel at least to Lahore, which is "normally considered a safe place compared to other cities".

"If we are allowed to travel by road till Lahore from India, it will be fine. From Lahore, we may take a flight to Tehran," he said.

However, he said they have not heard any response from the Pakistani high commission. A Japanese national, who is part of the convoy, has been granted a visa to visit Pakistan.

The convoy will carry with it medical aid worth Rs 27 lakh and donate two ambulances to Palestine authorities. Roy said even if they were denied visas, the journey will kick off on Thursday from Raj Ghat and the activists will travel to Tehran by air.