Indian High Commission Official
The Government of Pakistan has taken a significant diplomatic step by declaring an official of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad as persona non grata, ordering the individual to leave the country within 24 hours.
The decision was made on the grounds that the official was allegedly involved in activities deemed “inconsistent with his privileged status,” a term often used in diplomatic circles to refer to conduct that breaches the norms and protocols of diplomatic engagement.
According to a press release issued late Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Indian Chargé d’Affaires was formally summoned to the Foreign Office in Islamabad and informed of the decision.
During the meeting, Pakistani officials conveyed serious concerns regarding the conduct of the expelled official, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable and violate the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which governs the conduct of diplomats around the world.
The Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan’s expectation that all diplomatic staff, particularly those from the Indian High Commission, must adhere strictly to the code of conduct and refrain from engaging in activities that undermine the host country’s national security or public order. “It was stressed that none of the diplomats or staff members of the Indian High Commission should misuse their privileges and status in any manner,” the statement read.
Although the exact nature of the individual’s actions was not disclosed publicly, the move suggests that the Pakistani government suspects the official of either espionage or some form of interference in internal affairs, which constitutes a breach of diplomatic decorum.
This expulsion comes amid an already tense atmosphere between Pakistan and India, as bilateral relations continue to suffer due to longstanding issues including cross-border incidents, territorial disputes, and recent allegations of espionage activities.
The swift removal of the Indian official signals Islamabad’s firm stance on maintaining the sanctity of diplomatic norms and protecting its national interests. The development may provoke a reciprocal response from New Delhi, which could further strain diplomatic ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
