Pakistan Expels Indian High Commission Official After India’s Action

<p>In a sharp escalation of diplomatic tensions, Pakistan on Thursday expelled a staff member from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, mirroring India’s earlier decision to eject a Pakistani official over alleged espionage activities. This latest move marks the second such reciprocal expulsion in less than a week.</p>
<h3>Indian Official Declared ‘Persona Non Grata'</h3>
<p>The Pakistani Foreign Office announced that the concerned Indian official was asked to leave the country within 24 hours. “The Government of Pakistan has declared a staff member of the High Commission of India, Islamabad, as persona non grata for engaging in activities inconsistent with his privileged status. The concerned official has been directed to leave Pakistan within 24 hours,” the statement read.</p>
<p>The Indian Charg&eacute; d’Affaires was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, where Pakistani authorities conveyed their strong objections and warned that Indian diplomatic staff must not misuse their assigned privileges.</p>
<h3>India’s Espionage Allegations Prompt Response</h3>
<p>A day earlier, India expelled a Pakistani official posted at the High Commission in New Delhi, citing his involvement in espionage. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the individual was found to be “indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status” and was similarly given 24 hours to exit the country.</p>
<p>This follows a previous expulsion on May 13, when another Pakistani diplomat was sent back on similar charges. The rapid succession of these actions underscores the deepening mistrust between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.</p>
<p>The diplomatic strain follows a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives on April 22. In retaliation, India launched targeted airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir on May 7. Pakistan retaliated with attempted strikes on Indian military establishments.</p>
<p>India responded with equal force, resulting in heightened hostilities. However, a conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations on May 10 led to a mutual decision to cease further military engagement.</p>