Pak to not play World Junior Squash Championship as India rejects visas to players

KARACHI: The Indian High Commission refused to grant visas to Pakistani players and officials scheduled to participate in the World Junior Squash Championship in Chennai next month, an official of Pakistan Squash Federation informed on Monday.

The official said that PSF submitted visa request in April, the Indian HC returned the passports without visas after a span of two-month.

“Although visa processing time for India as per the official website of High Commission of India is 35 days, whereas event is planned to start from 18 July but the PSF had applied for Indian visa well in advance (ie in end April,18),” said Flight Lieutenant Aamir Iqbal, Game Development Officer of PSF in a statement.

“Timely intimation of visa processing was also forwarded to WSF, ASF and organizers so that required assistance could be ensured,” he added.

However, according to Aamir Iqbal, the High Commission of India in Islamabad returned all passports of Pakistan Contingent on 20th June refusing visas to the contingent.

“Passports were returned by Indian High Commission stating that they are not in a position to issue visas to Pakistan Contingent and no substantial reason was mentioned,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PSF has approached World Squash bodies to look into matter and ensure participation of Pakistan players in the World Junior Championship 2018 or cancel this event.

“This is totally against the ethics of sports. We believe that sportsmen help in strengthening relations amongst nations,” the statement from PSF stated.