A British-American journalist, Charles Glass, was abruptly deported from Pakistan on Wednesday after authorities cancelled his visa. Glass, known for his work on the Middle East and World War II, had been attempting to arrange a meeting with former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned.
Sources indicate that Glass’s visa was revoked due to his efforts to interview Khan. He was reportedly visited by a contingent of police at the residence of Islamabad-based journalist Zahid Hussain, where he was staying. The police informed Glass that his visa had been cancelled and he had five hours to leave the country. After a heated argument, he was escorted to his lodgings to collect his luggage before being deported to the Middle East.
Shahzad Akbar, a former aide to Khan, shared the news on social media, expressing concern over Glass’s deportation. The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been asked to confirm the incident.
Glass, 73, is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in international affairs. He has contributed to prominent media outlets like Newsweek, ABC TV, and The Telegraph. His attempts to secure an interview with Khan likely triggered the visa cancellation, highlighting the restrictive environment for journalists in Pakistan, particularly those seeking to cover politically sensitive issues.
