Pakistan expels Indian diplomat for “inconsistent activities”

Pakistan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has declared a staff member of the High Commission of India in Islamabad persona non grata and directed the individual to leave the country within 24 hours.

According to a statement issued by the ministry, the official was found to be “engaging in activities inconsistent with his privileged diplomatic status.” No further details were provided about the nature of the activities, Caliber.Az reports per the foreign media.

The Indian Chargé d’Affaires was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the decision was formally communicated. During the meeting, Pakistani officials emphasised that all diplomats and staff members of the Indian High Commission must adhere strictly to diplomatic norms and refrain from any actions that violate their official status.

The expulsion comes amid ongoing tensions between the two South Asian neighbours and may further strain bilateral relations. 

The latest escalation began after India blamed Pakistan for a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, located in the disputed region of Indian-occupied Kashmir. In retaliation, the Indian Air Force conducted a series of airstrikes between May 6 and 7. Pakistan responded with its own military operation, codename Operation Banyan Mersous.

A ceasefire was eventually brokered on May 10 by US President Donald Trump, bringing a temporary halt to hostilities between the two nuclear-armed nations. The fragile calm, however, remains under threat as diplomatic and military rhetoric on both sides continues to harden.

By Sabina Mammadli