Tit for tat; Pakistan's Government declares Indian official as “persona non grata” after India expelled Pakistani ambassador
An Indian official was declared persona non grata by the Pakistani government for "engaging in activities inconsistent with his privileged status," which was clearly seen as a retaliatory action.
New Delhi (India) May 22: A staff member of the High Commission of India in Islamabad was declared persona non grata by Pakistan on Thursday, May 22, and was given a 24-hour notice to leave the country.
India declared a Pakistani official persona non grata on May 21 for actions that were inconsistent with his official status in the nation, and this countermeasure by Pakistan was taken a day later.
The Indian Chargé d'Affaires had been called by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to convey this decision, according to a press release. It was also suggested that "none of the diplomats or staff members of the Indian High Commission should misuse their privileges and status in any manner" to the Indian diplomat.
A Pakistani high commission employee in New Delhi was removed by India on Tuesday for possibly engaging in espionage, the second such expulsion in less than a week due to increased tensions between the two nations.
The Ministry of External Affairs said“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.” in a statement.
The statement also added,"The official has been asked to leave India within 24 hours. Charge d'Affaires, Pakistan High Commission, was issued a demarche to this effect today. He was asked to strictly ensure that none of the Pakistani diplomats or officials in India misuse their privileges and status in any manner."
Another Pakistani officer working at the Pakistan high commission in New Delhi was removed by India on May 13 after being declared "persona non grata" for actions that were inconsistent with his diplomatic position.
India announced a number of harsh diplomatic and economic measures against Pakistan a day after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. These measures included removing the three defence officials who worked at the Pakistan High Commission and reducing the number of diplomatic staff members from 55 to 30.
After the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and India's Operation Sindoor response, the two neighbouring countries' relations have turned worse.
Aadrika Tayal
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