Mumbai: One of the prominet actors of India, Anupam Kher, on Tuesday submitted a 100-page proof stating that he was ready with all necessary documents regarding a visa to Pakistan - to attend the Karachi Literature Festival on February 5 - but was barred by the Nawaz Sharif government.
Addressing a press conference here, Kher said, “I did not personally ask for a visa, the organizers of the Karachi Literature Festival did. But, for last 15 days, all my visa documents are ready.”
“Two month ago, I got an invitation from the organisers of the Karachi Litfest. I was excited about it. After PM Narendra Modi's visit to Pakistan, was convinced I must visit Pakistan,” he added.
Kher further said that he is not angry with anyone but is very upset and disappointed that out of 18 participants, 17 were given visa and he was denied.
He also accused the Pakistan High Commission of lying on the claims that he never applied for visa.
"Technically, they have to say something, if I haven't applied for it then on what basis Karachi Lit Festival had put my name, I didn't tell them to put my name. The Pakistan High Commission is lying, rest of the 17 people got visa only I was denied," he added.
"Maybe it has been done due to my point of view on Kashmiri Pandits or my pro-PM stand that my visa has been denied," the actor added.
Kher further said that art and culture don't have boundaries.
Providing proof of Pakistan's snub, Kher said, "The organiser of the Karachi Litfest Amina ji said that Pakiatani government officials told her that don't invite Anupam Kher. I don't know why."
"I salute Amina ji, the organizer of Karachi lit fest, she categorically blamed Pakistan High Commission," he added.
"Yesterday Amina, called my manager and apologised for my visa not getting approved," he added.
However, Kher said that he will go to Pakistan if granted a visa in future.
The veteran actor further requested the government to take this issue with Pakistan.
The development comes hours after the Pakistani High Commission refuted Kher`s claim and said that they never received a visa application from the actor.
The actor was denied a Pakistani visa in May 2015 as well, when he wanted to visit Pakistan to attend a literary festival in Lahore.
