Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan Ajay Bisaria on Saturday had hosted an Iftar party in Islamabad but had to tender an “apology” to all friends and guests as they were subjected to extra scrutiny and harassment by Pakistani security agencies.
“I would apologise to all our friends who were subject to extra scrutiny”, Mr Bisaria said at the Iftar in his brief speech – the video footage of what has gone viral on social media and also reported on Indian TV channels.
“Thanking you all for making it and coming….,” he said and also maintained that the Iftar was hosted coincidentally with the swearing in of new government in India.
“….A new government always comes with new hope, marks a new beginning,” Mr Bisaria said in reference to swearing of new dispensation headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Reports said guests who had come for the Iftar party were harassed by Pakistani security agencies, with many guests reporting that the officials outside the venue misbehaved with them.
Some guests were forced to turn back and even cars being towed away.
According to sources in the ruling dispensation, the tradition of Iftar hosting by Indian mission in Islamabad was started over a decade back by Sibi George during his stint in Islamabad.
Sources also alleged that harassment of Indian diplomats has been a norm in Islamabad for last few months now.
