Hyderabad: Pakistani qawwali maestro Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was refused entry by immigration officials at the Hyderabad International Airport on Thursday, as he flew in directly from the Gulf.
The singer was supposed to take part in a premium event titled ‘Raahtein a ‘Sufi’sticated New Year’s Eve’ on Thursday night at the Taj Falaknuma Palace. Confirming that the renowned singer was turned away, an official of the immigration department said, “For all Pakistani nationals, the port of entry is Delhi or Mumbai. No Pakistani can enter the country from Hyderabad.”
The singer had arrived by an Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi to Hyderabad and was sent to Mumbai. The programme started at 8 pm without the singer. Organisers said he would complete the formalities at Mumbai and return to Hyderabad.
An organiser said, “He is on the way from Mumbai. He is expected to take part in the programme from 10.30 pm. As per the original programme, Rahat was to perform from 10 pm. It is only a delay of half-an-hour and he will be coming.”
There was no confirmation of his arrival at the time of going to the press.
