Pakistani Diplomats in India Face Harassment

Pakistani diplomats stationed at the High Commission in India are reportedly experiencing harassment, with at least four receiving eviction notices for their privately rented residences in New Delhi.

Sources indicate that these diplomats were served notices by their respective landlords before their lease agreements had concluded. Furthermore, it is alleged that Pakistani diplomats are under constant surveillance, and their gas and internet services are being intermittently disrupted.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is also yet to approve visa extensions for 17 staff members, including diplomats, according to sources. A request for these visa extensions was submitted to India between three and five months prior.

Additionally, the water supply to the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi has been disconnected, and the delivery of Indian newspapers to the High Commission has been suspended for approximately six weeks.

The Pakistani High Commission has officially notified the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding these issues.

This purported harassment occurs amid increased tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi, which arose following a brief period of armed clashes between the two nuclear-armed nations earlier this year in May.

In May, India conducted cross-border operations into Pakistan, claiming to target terrorists allegedly responsible for the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Pakistan responded to India’s actions with Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, after shooting down six Indian Air Force aircraft, including three Rafales, in retaliation to what it perceived as unprovoked Indian aggression.

The 87-hour conflict, marked by cross-border strikes from both sides, resulted in the deaths of 40 civilians and 13 military personnel in Pakistan.

The administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi also declared its intent to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan. However, the Permanent Court of Arbitration concerning the IWT has recently ruled that India must “let flow” the waters of the western rivers for Pakistan’s unrestricted use.