LONDON: Pakistanis in Britain felt “relieved” when British officials announced that Lord Mountbatten will not visit Pakistan as head of a fact-finding mission on the question of immigrants.

Pakistani circles were restive when Lord Mountbatten’s latest mission was announced, because of the feeling of distrust against him since the days of Partition.

A member of the Pakistani Caterers’ Association had said he would suggest to the Pakistani authorities to make an immediate protest to the British Commonwealth Office on this issue, but a sense of relief was felt when it was known that the ex-Viceroy would not visit Pakistan though other members of the mission will.

The London “Times” reported that Pakistan had been ablaze with “indignation” on the visit. “Daily Telegraph” gave a second lead to the story headlined: “Pakistan veto on Mountbatten — pro-Indian charge hits immigration mission.” Similar treatment was given by the pro-Labour “Sun.”

A spokesman for the Pakistan Immigrant Socialist Group said he was giving thought to the idea of asking the group to make specific suggestions for the solution of the immigrants’ problems.

These suggestions would be forwarded to Pakistan Government to be discussed with the British mission, minus Mountbatten, when it visits Pakistan.

He also expressed the fear that the Bill against racial discrimination, which is likely to come up before Parliament soon, might be [a] “watered down version” of what is actually needed. He was trying to contact Labour and Tory members to discuss the issue.

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2015

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