What New Allegations Did Assam CM Sarma Raise About Gaurav Gogoi's Pakistan Visit?
Synopsis
In a recent development, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has intensified scrutiny on Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s past visit to Pakistan, questioning the legitimacy of his travel to Takshashila and emphasizing the need for accountability in matters of national security.
Key Takeaways
CM Sarma raises questions about Gogoi's Pakistan visit Concerns over visa compliance and national security Importance of transparency for public officials
Guwahati, Feb 9 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has once again questioned Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi regarding his previous trip to Pakistan, highlighting what he claims is a serious and factual discrepancy concerning visa limitations and travel beyond authorized regions.
In reference to statements made by Gogoi during a press conference earlier today, CM Sarma noted that a significant revelation has shed new light on the matter.
According to the Chief Minister, Gogoi admitted that Takshashila (Taxila), an important archaeological site he visited during his journey to Pakistan, is situated not in Islamabad but in the Rawalpindi District of Punjab province. “This single fact raises a serious and unavoidable question,” CM Sarma stated in a post on the social media platform X. “If the Pakistan visa only allowed travel to Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, how did he manage to visit Takshashila, which is outside the Islamabad Capital Territory and firmly within Rawalpindi District?”
CM Sarma emphasized that under Pakistan’s immigration regulations, foreign tourists typically cannot venture beyond the cities specified in their visa without prior or special authorization.
“Traveling beyond designated locations without clearance is prohibited. This makes the question straightforward, factual, and legitimate,” he added.
The Chief Minister also questioned who allowed Gogoi’s movement to the Rawalpindi District despite the clear lack of visa authorization for that area.
He further mentioned that this issue is particularly significant as Rawalpindi is home to the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters (GHQ), often considered the nerve center of the nation’s military.
“This is not merely a political claim but a matter based on documented geography and immigration standards,” CM Sarma asserted, underscoring the need for clarity in the public sphere.
He insisted that the questions posed are grounded in facts presented and revelations made by Gogoi himself.
Gogoi, who serves as a Lok Sabha MP from Jorhat, dismissed the allegations surrounding his trip to Pakistan, insisting that his travel was academic in nature and entirely lawful.
Nonetheless, CM Sarma reiterated that the situation demands transparent answers, stating that public officials must be held to the highest standards of accountability regarding matters involving national security and foreign travel.
Point of View
It's essential to maintain an unbiased perspective. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s inquiries into Gaurav Gogoi’s journey to Pakistan reflect broader concerns regarding national security and accountability among public representatives. The integrity of political leaders must be upheld, particularly in matters that may impact the nation.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What allegations did CM Sarma make about Gogoi's travel?
CM Sarma alleged that Gogoi's trip to Pakistan involved travel beyond his visa limitations, questioning how he visited Takshashila without the necessary clearance.
What is the significance of Rawalpindi in this context?
Rawalpindi is home to the Pakistan Army's General Headquarters (GHQ) , making any travel to this area particularly sensitive concerning national security.
How did Gogoi respond to these allegations?
Gogoi dismissed the claims, asserting that his travel was academic and fully compliant with the law.
