It was on MEA’s invitation that “The Hindu” nominated him to accompany Krishna
Pakistan refused a visa to The Hindu’s Praveen Swami, who was to have travelled with the media delegation accompanying External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna on his two-day visit to Islamabad that began on Friday.
The Pakistan High Commission gave no reasons for turning down Mr. Swami’s visa application.
The Hindu’s Editor, Siddharth Varadarajan, said it had been conveyed to him on Thursday that the newspaper could nominate another reporter, and the Pakistan High Commission would arrange the visa for the substitute immediately.
“We refused the offer. It is not acceptable for anyone to dictate who we can send to cover a story,” Mr. Varadarajan said.
It was on an invitation from the Ministry of External Affairs in August that the newspaper nominated Mr. Swami, the Resident Editor of the newspaper in Delhi, to go with Mr. Krishna.
After submitting the documents required for the visa, Mr. Swami was invited to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi earlier this week for a meeting with the official in charge of media relations.
According to him, there was nothing about the meeting that led him to believe that he would not be given a visa.
On Thursday, Mr. Swami heard from the MEA that he had been denied the visa. His passport showed that he had been granted a visa initially, but the word “CANCELLED” was stamped across the page.
As many as 60 journalists have accompanied Mr. Krishna to Islamabad. The Hindu is the only organisation whose nominee did not get a visa.
Well Mr. Gopalan, India is no different than Pakistan. The Hatred against Pakistan is India's lifeline. In fact that is the parameter on which an Individual's Patriotism is measured in India. No matter how many billions you eat in corruption, if you hate Pakistan, you are an Indian Nationalist.
Mr. bala you hit the bulls eye,i agree with you.But it is a well known
truth that when it comes to reporting for matters relating to terrorism
and geo political issues relating to south west Asia Praveen Swami has
no match.Due to his sheer brilliance and acumen in analyzing socio eco
and politico issues vis a vis terrorism emanating from our neighbour
deserves accolades.
The Visa Rejection is because of the Campaign taken up by The Hindu and Dawn in revealing top secrets as part of WIKi-LEAKS on INDO-PAK section/relations.
That is where it hurts to PAK- exposing the truth.....
And hence the rejection.....
The Hindu and Mr Praveen Swami represent the best traditions in journalism. Perhaps it
would have been in Pakistan's interest to allow an impartial and honest report of the visit.
Well said, Gopalan, why there should be so many journalists to accompany PM. If Swami is not given visa, why not send another person. When China refused Visa to a Lt Gen or those from Himachal, Did this paper make a hue and cry against China?
I am at loss to understand why such a large contingent of reporters should accompany our foreign minister when he visits a country like Pakistan and what they are going to report from there.Indian news paper readers are not going to miss any thing if Praveen Samy or any other reporter is denied visa to visit that country. . We all know well in advance what is going to be the out come talks with Pakistan.These talks would not produce any results.Talking to Pakistan is like trying to fill a bottomless pot.Hostility with India is the life line of that country.They would try to keep it alive at any cost .So never expect Pakistan to change and be friendly with us.Leave them alone.Ignore them.It is going to disintegrate soon it's own.
Indecision on the part of Pakistan visa issuing authority should not have reflected on the passport leaf of Mr. Praveen Swami. Refusing visa and returning the passport in tact is one thing, and defacing an already issued visa with cancellation stamp is another thing.
"The Hindu" as we all know is a reputed newspaper, and I am sure the person concerned is a seasoned reporter too. I hope both will take this incident in their grand stride.
@kguy
Praveen Swami is an expert, and he does not hesitate to call a spade a spade in his perception. Therefore, Pakistan is AFRAID of him.
So much for taking a pro-peace stance by TheHindu. Even though I as a
reader appreciate the quality analysis of Swami, but he may try to be
more balanced in his approach while reporting on India-Pak.
This is insane. Praveen Swami is an expert in world area especially
focussed on terrorism, afghanistan, j&k, pakistan and
us/india/pakistan/china axis.
Pakistan and India (and US and China or anybody else for that matter)
will be better off if journalists are allowed to do their jobs without
fear or favor.
It is not Praveen is missing Pakistan but Pakistan that will miss his
reporting in this visit.
It is high time management of THE HINDU realizes that the extra effort
it takes on reporting affiars regarding Pakistan have always be
"neutral". Instead of sitting on the fence it should boldly call a spade
a spade. It should report objectively and boldly. No more wishy washy
stuff to please athourities. A refusal of visa to its representative
should not matter much.
This is a clear sign that Mr. Swami must be doing something right! This is a badge of
honour from a journalistic perspective! Keep it up!
Please Email the Editor