New Delhi: Bollywood actor Anupam Kher on Tuesday hit back at the Pakistan High Commission office, saying it is lying over his visa claims.
Earlier today, the HC dismissed the Padma Bhushan awardee's claim that Pakistan had rejected his visa application, which he applied for attending the Karachi Literature Festival starting February 05.
Speaking to news agency ANI, the maverick actor said the Pakistan High Commission is lying as rest of the 17 participants were given visa, and he was denied.
As to why his visa has not been issued, Kher said, "I wish I knew. I am wondering if it is because I am a Kashmiri Pandit or because of my views on the tolerance debate in India."
Further commenting on the visa row, the veteran actor said, "I would request my government to pursue the matter."
The actor also tweeted:
Have been informed that Pakistan MoFA has denied permission for my visa to participate in the Karachi Literature festival.
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) February 2, 2016
Sad to have been denied visa on second time in a year. While around 17 people will participate in the Karachi Literature Festival as guests.
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) February 2, 2016
Earlier today, the Pakistan HC rejected Kher's claims, saying they had not received any visa application from the Indian actor.
The Bollywood actor had a few days ago said that 82 percent people think that Article 370 should be abolished in Jammu and Kashmir.
Talking exclusively to Zee Media, Kher, a Kashmiri Pandit himself, said the benefit of Article 370 is being reaped by separatists only.