Anupam Kher addressing a press-conference on the Pakistan visa issue says  he did not personally ask for a visa, the organizers of the Karachi Literature Festival did. "But I want to know what others who are invited to Karachi think about me being denied visa, but yes I don't have anything against them. I was probably the only actor from Bollywood who wrote an open letter condemning attack on Peshawar school.

"The reason could be either I am a Kashmiri Pandit, or because I have spoken on intolerance debate," he said

Kher was one of the 18 Indians invited to the four-day festival by the organisers but he is the only one whose visa has not been cleared. The other 17 Indian participants have been given visas.

Kher, who has just been honoured with Padma Bhushan by the Indian government, was to participate in at least two sessions and his name figured prominently in the festival schedule.

Confirming that he has not been issued a visa, Kher on Tuesday said that he was very saddened by the development as he was looking forward to participate in the festival and use the platform to dispel misunderstandings in the minds of people there.

"We welcome their artistes in India. If there are objections to their performance at one place in India they are welcome at other places. But there is no reciprocity," he said.

As to why his visa has not been issued, Kher said, "I wish I knew. I am wondering if it is because I am a Kashmiri Pandit or because of my views on the tolerance debate in India."

Kher said the visa denial has left the festival organisers embarrassed and they have apologised to him. 

When contacted, Pakistan High Commission's head of media Manzoor Memon said, "Mr Anupum Kher has never submitted visa application to Pakistan High Commission....

"Please check out from him if he has any receipt," he added.

Rejecting Pakistan High Commission's contention that he had not applied for visa, Kher called it a "laughable explanation". He said organisers had completed the formalities for the visa.