Trouble-free entry for Burney this time

After an apparent immigration goof-up that led to his deportation last May from Delhi’s airport, Pakistan human rights activist Ansar Burney is set to visit India on October 24, reports Zia Haq.

After an apparent immigration goof-up that led to his deportation last May from Delhi’s airport, Pakistan human rights activist Ansar Burney is set to visit India on October 24.

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This time, India’s political and visa consular S.K. Reddy in Islamabad has given a written assurance to Burney that there would be no restrictions on his entry into India, a source said.

There would be no restriction on Burney’s entry and the Indian high commission would be happy to facilitate his visa to India, a letter written by Reddy to Fahad Burney, vice-chairman of the Ansar Burney Trust, stated.

Burney, a leading Pakistani human rights activist who fought for the release of Indian death row prisoner Sarabjit Singh in Pakistan, was deported back from New Delhi last May because of a “look-out” notice against him. However, it turned out to be a goof-up.

He had secured the release of death row convict Kashmir Singh this year after then President Pervez Musharraf approved his mercy petition.

Burney told the HT that he would be visiting India in an effort to secure the release of all Pakistanis prisoners who have completed their sentences, but have not been released.

“I plan to meet India’s home minister and external affairs minister,” Burney said. He will also travel to Mumbai to receive a human rights award.