New Delhi: India declared a Pakistani staffer posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi as persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within 24 hours for his alleged involvement in activities inconsistent with diplomatic status.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Wednesday summoned Charge d’Affaires Saad Warraich of the Pakistan High Commission and issued a formal demarche. Warraich was instructed to ensure that all Pakistani diplomats and officials adhere strictly to diplomatic norms and do not misuse their privileges.
“The Government of India has declared a Pakistani official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, persona non grata for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India,” an MEA statement said.
This incident follows a similar expulsion on 13 May, when another Pakistani staffer, identified as Danish, was removed for allegedly engaging in espionage.
Danish was reportedly linked to two individuals arrested in Punjab earlier this month for espionage. According to Punjab Police, the suspects had been leaking sensitive information about Indian Army movements to a Pakistan-based handler in exchange for payments made through online channels.
In a 11 May statement, the Punjab Police confirmed that an First Information Report (FIR) had been registered, and efforts were underway to uncover a broader network of local operatives. Authorities described the operation as a key step in dismantling cross-border espionage and reaffirmed their commitment to national security. Investigations will focus on tracking the financial transactions and identifying further links within the network.
This incident follows an earlier series of diplomatic reductions after the Pahalgam terror attack, with India expelling Pakistani defence officials and downsizing the High Commission staff from 55 to 30. In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan responded by cutting back Indian diplomatic presence in Islamabad.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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