Islamabad, Nov 7: Pakistan today lodged a strong protest with India on the latter's decision to refuse visa to Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad for watching the Indo-Pak cricket match at Mohali.
''The Indian Deputy High Commissioner was summoned to the Foreign Office and a strong protest was lodged with regard to refusal of visa to him,'' foreign ministry spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said.
He said the refusal was not in keeping with the normal practice as well as efforts to improve bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Minister was planning to visit Mohali as a gesture of support and encouragement to Pakistan's cricket team.