The police station which was attacked by terrorists in Gurdaspur on Monday (AFP photo)
Pakistan on Tuesday 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, and adding "this is most regrettable".
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had cancelled a meeting with Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit on Monday 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 Mr Basit during his proposed visit to Chandigarh on Monday following which the Pakistan envoy cancelled his trip.
When contacted, Punjab Chief Minister's Office confirmed the cancellation of a call on by Mr Basit and said same was conveyed to him on Monday. While no official reason was cited for cancelling the meeting, according to sources in Mr Badal's office, the decision was taken "in view of prevailing situation after the terror attack."