Pakistan today described as "unfortunate" the cancellation of meetings of Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit with the chief ministers of Punjab and Haryana.
"It is unfortunate that the High Commissioner had to cancel his visit to Chandigarh as the chief ministers of Punjab and Haryana called off High Commissioner's calls on them," a source in Pakistan High Commission said.
Moreover, the External Affairs Ministry also gave a delayed approval for the visit and that too without approval for his accompanying officers, sources said, adding "this is most regrettable".
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had cancelled a meeting with Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit tomorrow in the wake of the terror attack in Gurdaspur in which seven people were killed.
Haryana Chief Minister M L Khattar also did not entertain a request of a meeting by Basit during his proposed visit to Chandigarh tomorrow following which the Pakistan envoy cancelled his trip.
When contacted, Punjab Chief Minister's Office confirmed the cancellation of a call on by Basit and said same was conveyed to him yesterday. While no official reason was cited for cancelling the meeting, according to sources in Badal's office, the decision was taken "in view of prevailing situation after the terror attack."
