New Delhi: Diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan escalated further on Wednesday as the Indian government ordered another Pakistani diplomat to leave the country within 24 hours, citing activities deemed incompatible with diplomatic norms.
According to official sources, Muzammil, a staff member stationed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, has been declared persona non grata and instructed to depart India within a day. Muzammil had been serving in the visa section of the mission.
Earlier in the day, the Pakistani chargé d’affaires was summoned to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, where he was formally issued a démarche. In an official statement, the ministry warned the Pakistani mission against any misuse of diplomatic privileges:
“The Chargé d’affaires of the Pakistan High Commission was summoned and issued a démarche. He was advised to ensure that no member of the Pakistani mission engages in activities inconsistent with their diplomatic status.”
This marks the second such expulsion within a week. On May 13, India expelled another Pakistani official, Rahim, who also worked in the visa section, citing similar concerns.
The moves come amid heightened diplomatic strain following the Pahalgam incident, after which India has reportedly expelled a total of 24 Pakistani diplomatic staff members.
The current wave of expulsions began on April 23, shortly after a deadly attack in India-occupied Kashmir. In response, India ordered all Pakistani nationals to leave the country within 48 hours and announced the closure of the Attari check post. Pakistani High Commission staff were instructed to return home within a week, and visas for Pakistani diplomats and defense attachés were either cancelled or restricted.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs had earlier announced that the total strength of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi would be reduced from 55 to 30 diplomats by May 1, as decided by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security.
These developments reflect a sharp deterioration in diplomatic relations, with both nations now operating under severely reduced engagement and increased mistrust.
