Two Indian journalists asked to leave Pakistan

Pakistan has told two Indian journalists stationed in Islamabad that they must leave the country in a week, by May 20th, informing them that their visas would not be renewed, but not citing a reason.

The two journalists, Snehesh Alex Phillip of the Press Trust of India and Meena Menon of The Hindu received letters late on Tuesday night informing them of the decision. Both journalists have been in Pakistan for less than a year.

It is believed that Pakistan’s military is deeply suspicious of both journalists and India, Indian journalists facing even more restrictions than other foreign journalists – making Pakistan a dangerous place for journalists.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has repeatedly released public statements that he wants to improve relations with India and also reduce the restrictions on journalists. These two countries have fought 3 wars since Pakistan’s separation from India in 1947.

Pakistani journalists also face a great threat in the country. Sources say at least 34 Pakistani journalists have been murdered for their work since Pakistan returned to democracy in 2008, but only one killer has been caught and proven guilty.

Last year, Pakistan’s government had also made a reporter from The New York Times leave the country.