NEW DELHI: The Gurdaspur terrorist attack near India’s border with Pakistan prompted the chief ministers of Haryana and Punjab to cancel meetings in Chandigarh with Pakistan’s High Commissioner Abdul Basit on Wednesday.

“It is unfortunate that the High Commissioner had to cancel his visit to Chandigarh as the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana called off High Commissioner’s calls on them,” a source at the high commission said.

“Moreover, the MEA (Indian foreign ministry) also conveyed its approval at around 3pm today and that too without approval for his accompanying officers. This is most regrettable.”

Take a look: Abdul Basit cancels trip to Indian city following attack

Besides calls on the chief ministers, Mr Basit was to give a talk at the centre for rural and industrial development, address students at the Punjab University, interact with chambers of commerce, press club and visit schools.

“The purpose of the visit was to build bridges and enhance mutual understanding. We are grateful to all those in Chandigarh for agreeing to host the High Commissioner. We hope he will have an opportunity to visit their beautiful city in the near future,” the source said.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2015

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