BOMBAY, 24 June 2006 — For undisclosed reasons Pakistan refused to grant a visa to veteran Bollywood lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar to attend a nationwide premiere of the Indian movie “Mughal-E-Azam” and an event to raise funds for Pakistani earthquake victims.

As a reslut, the entire 25-member Indian delegation consisting several film stars, writers and directors, who were scheduled to depart for Karachi tomorrow, decided to boycott the premiere and the fund-raiser.

Speaking on the issue, Akhtar said that he was surprised when he learned yesterday that he was the only one to have been denied a visa.

Akbar Asif, the son of K. Asif, the director of the movie, held a press conference in Karachi and announced the postponement of the premiere until a visa could be arranged.

Asked whether he would visit Pakistan again, Akhtar said, “I foresee no reason why I should lose hope. My visit to Pakistan was in the perspective of a positive gesture. If I am not welcomed to visit their country, it is their choice.”