India expelled a second Pakistani High Commission official on Wednesday, citing engagement in activities inconsistent with his diplomatic status. The official was directed to leave the country within 24 hours, as per a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
This marks the second such action within a span of eight days. On May 13, another Pakistani staffer was expelled for allegedly participating in espionage-related activities.
MEA Declares Official “Persona Non Grata”
“The Indian government has declared a Pakistani official working at the High Commission in New Delhi persona non grata for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India,” said the MEA. The ministry added that the individual must depart India within 24 hours.
While the MEA did not disclose specific charges, it also issued a strong demarche to the Commission’s Charge d’Affaires, urging that Pakistani officials in India must not misuse their diplomatic privileges.
Linked Espionage Probe in Punjab
The recent expulsions come in the backdrop of an espionage investigation being conducted by Punjab Police. Authorities in Punjab arrested two individuals, including a woman, on May 11. The two are allegedly linked to a Pakistani official stationed at the High Commission in Delhi.
The MEA’s earlier action on May 13 was reportedly in connection with this ongoing investigation.
Pakistan Retaliates With Diplomatic Expulsion
Following India’s expulsion of its official, Pakistan issued a tit-for-tat response. Islamabad declared an Indian High Commission staffer persona non grata and ordered his departure within 24 hours.
“The Government of Pakistan has declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission, Islamabad, as persona non grata for engaging in activities incompatible with his privileged status,” Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
Diplomatic Tensions Follow Operation Sindoor
These diplomatic moves come against the backdrop of rising hostilities following India’s Operation Sindoor. Conducted on the night of May 6–7, the operation targeted nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was launched in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, where 26 tourists were killed.
The Resistance Front, a shadow outfit of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. It was one of the deadliest incidents in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
Brief Ceasefire, Quickly Violated
After days of retaliatory strikes, India and Pakistan reached an agreement on May 10 to cease all military action across land, air, and sea by 5 PM. However, within hours, Pakistan reportedly breached the ceasefire terms, reigniting concerns about the fragile peace.
The expulsion of Pakistani officials and the continued hostilities underline the deteriorating diplomatic relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
