New Delhi, MAY 21: Tensions between India and Pakistan erupted once again on Wednesday after the Indian government ordered another Pakistani diplomat to leave the country within 24 hours.
According to official sources, India has ordered Pakistani diplomat Muzammil, stationed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, to leave India within 24 hours. He was declared persona non grata over his alleged activities deemed incompatible with his diplomatic role.
The Pakistani chargé d’affaires was earlier on Wednesday summoned to the Indian foreign office in this regard. The diplomat, Muzammil, was working in the visa department. “Chargé d’affaires Pakistan High Commission was issued a démarche 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,” the Indian ministry said in a statement.
Also Read: India suspends Indus Waters Treaty, expels Pakistanis, closes Attari post
On May 13, India had ordered a member of Pakistan’s diplomatic staff to leave the country. According to diplomatic sources, the expelled official, Rahim, was serving as a visa assistant at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. He was declared persona non grata by the Indian government.
Since the Pahalgam incident, India has expelled 24 Pakistani diplomatic officials.
On April 23, shortly after the fatal attack in India-occupied Kashmir, India ordered all Pakistani citizens in the country to leave within 48 hours, while simultaneously announcing the closure of the Attari check post. The Pakistani High Commission staff was also ordered to return home within seven days.
Also Read: India expels another member of Pakistan’s diplomatic staff
Visas for Pakistani diplomats and defense attachés were also limited or cancelled, with several officials being asked to leave the country immediately. The Pakistani attaché was also declared persona non grata, the Indian foreign ministry had announced.
In an official statement issued by India’s External Affairs Ministry, the country’s Cabinet Committee on Security had decided that the overall strength of the Pakistan High Commission would be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effective by May 1.
