External Affairs Ministry today summoned Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit and conveyed the concern over discourtesy shown to Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale. Mr Basit was summoned over cancellation of an event of Indian High Commissioner. MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, Mr Basit was conveyed that India expects Pakistan will allow its diplomats to discharge their normal function without hindrance.
The Indian High commissioner was told about the cancellation just half an hour before the event. The organisers did not give a reason immediately for the cancellation. However, the Indian officials felt that Bambawale’s comments on Pakistan’s interference in Kashmir, which was India’s internal matter had rattled the Pakistani authorities, prompting a cancellation of the programme.