Pakistan deports British journalist Charles Glass

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 2 August 2024 |  JP Staff Report

British journalist Charles Glass was deported from Pakistan for visa violations. He had sought to visit former Prime Minister Imran Khan in prison but engaged in unauthorized journalistic activities.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—The Pakistan government has deported British journalist Charles Glass for allegedly violating the terms of his visa after attempting to visit the imprisoned former premier Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, The News reported on Friday.

According to media reports, Glass, who is reportedly a friend of Khan, arrived in Islamabad last week and sought permission to visit the former prime minister. However, the government denied his request.

The News quoting a source in Pakistan's Interior Ministry stated that Glass had obtained a visit visa from the Pakistan High Commission in London, affirming in an affidavit that he was visiting the country as a tourist to meet friends and would not engage in any journalistic or campaigning activities.

The source explained: "The author was visiting Pakistan on a visit/tourist visa. When a journalist visits a country on a visit/tourist visa, they are not allowed to engage in journalistic activities. Nevertheless, Glass began engaging in journalistic activities, which is against media ethics, international norms, and procedures. This led to his deportation."

KEY POINTS:

• Charles Glass deported from Pakistan for visa infringement.
• Attempted to visit imprisoned ex-PM Imran Khan.
• Entered on a visit visa, claiming tourist motives.
• Engaged in journalistic activities against visa rules.
• Government cites violation of media ethics in deportation.