ISLAMABAD, Nov 7: Pakistan on Wednesday lodged a strong protest with the Indian government for declining visa to federal Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid. Mr Rashid was planning to visit New Delhi along with Pakistan Cricket Board officials.

“The Indian Deputy High Commissioner was summoned to the Foreign Office and a strong protest was lodged with regard to refusal of visa which is not in keeping with the normal practice as well as efforts to improve relations between the two countries,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Mohammad Sadiq said.

“The minister was planning to visit Mohali as a gesture of support and encouragement to Pakistan’s cricket team,” he added.

The Indian diplomat, who was summoned to the Foreign Office on Wednesday by director-general of South Asia Division Aizaz Chaudhry, was told that the refusal to issue the visa negated the spirit of the ongoing peace process.

Apparently, the diplomat could not immediately come up with any reason for the refusal.

This is the second time since 2005 that Mr Rashid has been refused the Indian visa. The first time was when he wanted to travel on the newly inaugurated Kashmir bus service between Muzaffarabad and Srinagar.