The Pakistani diplomat, who was refused visa by India for a posting in New Delhi, had a long association with Taliban and Haqqani network known for their anti-India stand, a government official said on Wednesday.
Giving reasons for refusal of visa to the diplomat, who has been identified as Mohammad Idris, the official said the Pakistani officer has “close links” with Afghan Taliban as well as Haqqani network.
“We cannot allow someone who has long association with Taliban and Haqqani network to serve in India,” the official said.
The decision to reject visa to the Pakistani diplomat has been taken following inputs from intelligence agencies and careful examination of all facts, the official said.
Pakistan wanted to post the official at its high commission in New Delhi and had applied for a diplomatic visa for him.
The official in question has not served in India before, a fact cited by Pakistani authorities to claim that India had no reason to refuse him visa.
The refusal of visa to the Pakistani diplomat came amidst reports that Islamabad has denied visa to two yoga instructors whom the government had hired to lead the International Day of Yoga celebrations in Islamabad on June 21.
