Pakistan refuse to renew visa of Danish journalist after Mohammed cartoons
Pakistan refuse to renew visa of Danish journalist after Mohammed cartoons
The Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten said Sunday that Pakistan had refused to renew the visa of its correspondent following a row over its publication of Mohammed cartoons.
On its website, it said the Pakistani authorities have informed Puk Damsgaard Andersen that his visa will not be renewed, saying they can no longer guarantee his security.
However, according to the Pakistani daily the Nation, authorities in Islamabad believe Andersen carried out secret and illicit activities and distributed the controversial drawings in Pakistan, an accusation that Andersen denies.
“The Pakistani government cannot guarantee personal security, but that’s not new, and it is always an excuse they use to expel people,” Andersen was quoted as saying. “I consider it as harassment of a journalist.”
Foreign Minister Lene Espersen said Denmark’s ambassador would meet Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Monday and “emphasise that Denmark takes this case seriously.
