Pakistan Declares Indian Diplomat Persona Non Grata

Islamabad has declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission persona non grata, alleging involvement in activities that contravened diplomatic protocol and were inconsistent with their designated status.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the Indian official has been instructed to depart the country within a 24-hour timeframe.

The Indian Chargé d’Affaires was summoned to the Foreign Office on Wednesday to receive formal notification of the decision. During the meeting, Pakistani authorities emphasized the necessity for all diplomats and staff at the Indian High Commission to strictly adhere to their diplomatic functions and refrain from any abuse of their privileges.

This action follows the Indian Ministry of External Affairs’ declaration of an official from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi as “persona non grata,” with an order for the diplomat to leave India within 24 hours.

Tensions between the two countries heightened following an attack in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which resulted in fatalities.

In the aftermath of the attack, New Delhi reportedly suspended a water-sharing agreement, closed a major land border crossing with Pakistan, declared military advisors in the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata, and revoked visas for Pakistani citizens.

Subsequently, Islamabad reportedly responded by ordering the expulsion of Indian diplomats and military advisors, cancelling visas for Indian nationals (excluding Sikh pilgrims), and closing the primary border crossing from its side.

Additionally, India reportedly launched an unprovoked attack, targeting mosques and residential areas, causing casualties.

Pakistan’s armed forces initiated a large-scale retaliatory military operation following India’s alleged persistent attacks, reportedly targeting several Indian military installations across various regions.

The conflict reportedly concluded with a ceasefire agreement mediated by the United States.