Guardian Journalist detained in Islamabad

A reputed journalist of the Guardian newspaper, Adrian Levy, who arrived in Islamabad on valid visa on Sunday was detained and refused entry. He was scheduled to interview the President of Pakistan for the British paper. The reasons for the detention was that Levy’s name figured on the Pakistani government’s `Black List’ and Pak High Commission in London issued the visa without checking his antecedents. Imran Gardezi, Minister for Press Affairs, who was responsible for arranging interview with the President and also recommended visa, was called for his explanation. He had also recommended that Levy should be facilitated in visiting FATA and interviews with military commanders there.

Levy is a strong critic of Pakistan's deceptive policies on terrorism and nuclear proliferation. Adrian Levy, along with Cathy Scott-Clark, authored the book, "Deception: Pakistan, the United States and the Global Nuclear Weapons Conspiracy." In a February 3, 2008 article, he cautioned to stop giving the Pakistani president Musharraf the benefit of the doubt, saying he doesn't deserve it.