Seeking to push forward India's initiative of improving ties with Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has directed the Indian High Commission in Islamabad to issue visa to Pakistani painter Md. Awan, whose application was rejected earlier this year.
In a letter to Rajya Sabha member and Janata Dal (United) general secretary Shivanand Tiwary, Mr. Krishna referred to the former's special mention in the House on March 8 regarding the demand for issuance of visa to the painter. The letter said Md. Awan applied for visa in early January and his application was rejected for “lack of supporting documents.”
The letter was made available to the media on Sunday.
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Mr. Tiwary had demanded that Pakistani artists be given visas in order to promote good relations. He cited an example of Pakistani painter A. Waseel Awan, who made a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi with his blood.