Human rights bodies deplore deportation of CPJ official.

Byline: Iftikhar A. Khan

ISLAMABAD -- Human rights organisations blasAtAAed the Pakistan government on Friday over deportation of the Asia Programme Coordinator of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Steven Butler was denied entry into the country and was deported to WashAingAton via Doha on Wednesday after being told that his name was on the interior ministry's 'stop list'.

'A border officer at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport told Butler that his journalist visa was valid, but it was voided because his name was 'on a stop list of the interior ministry',' according to a CJP statement.

'Last night, Pakistani immigration authorities denied entry to CPJ's Asia Programme Coordinator Steven Butler, citing a stop list maintained by the ministry of interior,' the CPJ said in the statement released on Thursday.

It said Mr Butler's passport was 'confiscated' by the airport authorities and he was forced to board a flight bound for Doha. 'When he arrived in Doha, authorities there placed him on a flight to Washington,' the CPJ added.

While on board the plane, Steven Butler told the CPJ that the crew had seized his passport and boarding pass and that he was in 'a kind of restrictive custody'.

'Pakistani authorities' move to block Steven Butler from entering the country is baffling and a slap in the face to those concerned about press freedom,' the statement quoAted Joel Simon, the CPJ exeAcutive director, as saying.

'Pakistani authorities should give a full explanation of their decision to bar Butler and correct this error. If the government is interested in demonstrating its commitment to a free press, it should conduct a swift and transparent investigation into this case.'

Mr Butler had arrived in Lahore to participate in a two-day event, the Asma Jahangir Conference - RoadAAmap for Human RiAAghts in Pakistan, which is to begin today (SaturAday).

Attempts to get in touch with Interior Minister Ijaz Shah and Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on InAAfAoArAAmation, for the government's version were unsuccessful.

The Committee to Protect Journalists had voiced concern last month over a proposal to establish 'media courts'.

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