Pakistan expels Indian diplomat for undiplomatic activities

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expelled a staff member of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad declaring him “persona non grata” over activities that violated diplomatic norms.

According to the Foreign Office, the Indian official was found involved in actions “incompatible with his diplomatic status.” Pakistan has given him 24 hours to leave the country.

“The Indian Chargé d’Affaires was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and handed a demarche, conveying the decision,” the ministry posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The move comes amid strained ties between the two neighbours, with Islamabad accusing New Delhi of using diplomatic cover for activities against Pakistan’s interests.

Declaring someone persona non grata is a common diplomatic tool. It means the individual is no longer welcome due to misconduct or hostile acts. In this case, Pakistan acted under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which allows such expulsions.

The Foreign Office did not publicly share details of the Indian official’s actions but said the step was taken after careful consideration.

Read also: China’s vice foreign minister meets Pakistan ambassador to discuss India tensions

Earlier India had also 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.”

The official was ordered to leave India within 24 hours.

India also summoned the Charge d’Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission and handed over a formal protest, known as a demarche, conveying the decision.