Even as Pakistan blamed India for a breach of diplomatic protocol by Indian authorities not allowing Prime Minister’s Advisor on Foreign affairs, Sartaj Aziz to visit the Golden Temple and briefing the media, the government said that India had played a gracious host and that Islamabad had no reason to complain.
Official sources said that the government allowed Aziz and his delegation extended tarmac access, provided them additional rooms and also made available to them armoured cars, which were not given to every foreign minister, keeping in mind security requirements.
“This was done despite last minute change of programme and advancing of arrival in Amritsar by special flight by more than 12 hours. Fresh flight clearance was issued within minutes,” said a source.
According to Indian authorities, a rare exception was made to allow arrival and departure by air at Amritsar for Aziz which is not a designated port of entry and exit for Pakistani nationals.
On his return to Islamabad, Aziz described Indian authorities’ decision to not allow him to visit the Golden Temple as ‘strange’ and also that he was prevented from addressing the Pakistan media accompanying him.
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