In a sudden decision denounced as a “retrograde step” by New Delhi, Pakistan has asked Meena Menon of The Hindu and PTI’s Snehesh Alex Philip to leave the country within seven days. Islamabad did not offer any reason for the move.

The two journalists received letters late last night from the Pakistan Government’s External Publicity Wing, informing them that an unnamed “competent authority” had decided against any extension of their visas.

Short visas

Pakistan gives visas to Indian journalists for a few months at a time; they are required to repeatedly seek extensions.

Menon and Philip, the only two Indian journalists in Pakistan, have been in Islamabad for about nine months. They have been asked to leave by May 20.

‘Unfortunate’ development

Terming the development “unfortunate”, N. Ravi, Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu, said: “We think informed and sensible coverage from out of Pakistan would be valuable for an Indian newspaper.”

Reacting strongly to the decision, the Ministry of External Affairs said not allowing independent journalists to function was a “retrograde step” and termed the expulsion of the scribes as “regrettable and unfortunate”.

Asserting that free flow of information between India and Pakistan has long been recognised as an important confidence-building measure, the Ministry spokesperson said this should be safeguarded by all concerned and added that India intends to take the issue up with Pakistan.

1970s pact

India and Pakistan had reached an understanding in the late 1970s, with each country allowing two mediapersons from the other.

PTI has regularly posted correspondents in Pakistan since then and some Pakistani journalists have been stationed in India, although currently there is none from the country.

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