Social groups, film industry condemn Pak govt.'s action
PTI
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Mumbai, Jun 26: Social groups and the film industry today condemned the cancellation of visa by Pakistani government to lyricist Javed Akhtar.
The Film and Television Producers' Guild of India said there was lack of reciprocity on Islamabad's part in improving bilateral cultural relations.
"The incident has once again highlighted that authorities are still not open to welcoming Indian artistes with an open heart. The Guild has been a strong votary for improving bilateral cultural relations with Pakistan but we have not had a similar reciprocity from the Government of Pakistan," the Guild said in release here.
Several social justice activists from different walks of life, including playwright Vijay Tendulkar, social actvist Teesta Setalvad and journalist Nikhil Wagle have also condemned Pakistani government's action.
"We deplore the tendency of the governments of both India and Pakistan to use the visa as a whip against those whose views they find unpalatable. There can be no doubt that Akhtar was initially refused a visa because of his outspoken nature and his anti-establishment views." Film maker Ashok Pandit has also condemned the action, saying the delegation was in fact going to Pakistan to even raise funds for Pakistani earthquake vicitms.
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