Pakistan calls for decent burial to Feroz Khan controversy

New Delhi, June 2 (UNI) Pakistan today blamed Bollywood actor Feroz Khan for the unsavoury controversy created during an Indian film delegation's visit to Lahore in April, saying he was under the influence of liquor.

''Feroz Khan made some unpleasant remarks which he should not have made. He was under the influence of liquor and had lost control over himself,'' a member of the visiting Pakistani official delegation told UNI.

The delegation, led by Pakistan Culture Secretary Jalil Abbas, was here to hold talks with India on ''Promotion of Friendly Exchanges in Various Fields''. The two-day discussions concluded today.

The official said Feroz Khan's behaviour was unacceptable, which even prompted some members of the Indian delegation to express regret.

Taking a serious note of the incident, President General Pervez Musharraf blacklisted the Indian actor for his remarks.

Pakistani media had reported that Gen Musharraf, who was given a report of the entire incident that took place between Feroz Khan and singer Fakhar-e- Alam in Lahore, directed the Foreign Ministry not to issue visa to the Indian actor in future.

Feroz Khan was in Lahore in April-end in connection with the release of his brother Akbar Khan's flick 'Taj Mahal'.

''India is a secular country,'' he was quoted by a Pakistani daily as saying. ''Muslims there are making a lot of progress. Our President is a Muslim, the PM a Sikh. Pakistan was made in the name of Islam, but look how Muslims are killing each other,'' he had said, adding, ''I have not come here on my own. Indian films are so powerful that you cannot stop them.'' The actor was also reportedly incensed at some remarks on Indian actress Manisha Koirala, who was a part of the delegation.

Noted film director Mahesh Bhatt had apologised over the incident.

When asked about the controversy, Pakistan Culture Secretary Jalil Abbas sought to downplay the incident, saying it was a media creation and should be given ''a decent burial''.

He said the Bollywood actor, who recently visited Lahore as part of a Indian film delegation, said some ''unpleasant things'' which he should not have said.

Asked about the ban slapped on Feroz Khan in the wake of his statement on the condition of migrant Muslims in Pakistan, Mr Abbas said, ''He has simply been blacklisted and it is a normal procedure.'' Mr Abbas, however, said this episode should not lead to any rancour in the hearts of the people in the two countries. ''It should be treated as a closed chapter now,'' he added.''.

UNI SKS/NAZ SHB KN1645