By Gerry Braiden A "DISGUSTING" decision to ban Pakistani government and business delegations - as well as a pipe band - has brought the UK Border Agency under intense pressure.

By Gerry Braiden

A "DISGUSTING" decision to ban Pakistani government and business delegations - as well as a pipe band - has brought the UK Border Agency under intense pressure.

The Scottish Govern-ment and cross-party politicians have been lobbying Westminster and the agency after the three groups, all from Lahore, were refused entry to the UK to visit Glasgow, which is twinned with the northern Pakistani city.

One senior member of the Pakistani delegation said the move was "disgusting".

Among the group affected are 30 members of Patiala pipe band, which will be unable to compete in the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow this weekend despite four previous appearances, and the deputy mayor of Lahore, Tariq Fana Bajwa, who met the Queen on previous visits to the city.

Although Mr Bajwa was granted entry, his wife was refused.

A trade delegation from the city has also been refused visas, leading to Glasgow Chamber of Commerce events being scrapped.

A recent decision to move the processing of visa applications from Pakistan to Abu Dhabi has been cited as a factor.

Speaking last night from Lahore, Mr Bajwa said: "It was very good of Glasgow City Council to invite us.

"We have had many delegations visit in the past and wanted to learn more about your amenities to replicate your system but the way it has turned out is ridiculous."

The head of Glasgow City Council's international affairs team, Councillor Hanzala Malik, said the situation was "ludicrous" and that he would be making representations to junior Scotland Office minister Ann McKechin.

Michael Russell, Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, said: "We will do everything we can to help."

A UK Border Agency spokesman said: "The onus is on visa applicants to supply the necessary evidence in support of their applications."