While we are now used to the red tape involved in the exercise, the UK Border Agency has taken bureaucratic hurdles to a whole new level. Earlier this summer, my son was supposed to visit me in England on his way to the United States. However, when he was informed he might have to wait up to two months for a British visa, he told me he would have to defer the pleasure of bringing his wife and my little grandson to see me.
But he was lucky because he did not apply for a visa: thousands of Pakistanis who did found their passports and applications had been dumped somewhere in the UK embassy in Abu Dhabi. For some bizarre reason, the Brits now process Pakistani applications in the Gulf state.
A friend who found himself in this predicament was Masood Hasan, the well-known columnist and brother of the late Khalid Hasan. Apart from being a public figure by virtue of his popular column, Masood also broadcasts a weekly jazz programme on an FM channel, and runs a successful ad agency. His wife is Dr Ira Hasan, the eminent academic and ex-principal of Kinnaird College.
Although Masood needs no introduction from me, the reason I am giving some details about him is that he is just the kind of Pakistani the Brits should be encouraging to visit their country. In fact, he has been a regular visitor for 30 years, so he was understandably taken aback when his application for a visa was turned down.
Not only was Masood told he was unwelcome, but his son Meekal’s application was also rejected. For those who follow the Pakistani music scene, Meekal is even better known than his father. Considered one of the finest guitarists Pakistan has produced, young Meekal has established his own iconic pop group, and has performed at many concerts at home and abroad.
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11:50 PM
Moderate Islamist here
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