NEW DELHI: Pakistan has said that pilgrims wanting to visit Ajmer Shariffor a religious event were denied visas by the Indian Ministry of ExternalAffairs.

“Pakistan notes with deep disappointment the non-issuance of visas by Indiafor the visit of the 503 Pakistani Zaireen (pilgrims) to participate in theUrs of Hazrat Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer Sharif, India from 19-29March 2018.

The visit was to take place under the 1974 Pakistan-India Protocol onVisits to Religious Shrines and is a regular annual feature,” said a pressrelease issued by Pakistan’s ministry of foreign affairs. “As a result ofthis Indian decision, the Pakistani Zaireen have been deprived of theopportunity to participate in the Urs, which is of special significance.”

Indian sources, however, said the visas were withheld because the Pakistanigovernment had refused access to its database for verification of the visaapplications. “Such visits are facilitated and promoted and visas grantedafter following due processes. However, from time to time, such visitscannot take place in view of the prevailing circumstances and absence ofrequisite security clearances.

Pakistan pulled out its high commissioner indefinitely last week in protestagainst the alleged harassment of not just diplomats but also theirfamilies in New Delhi.