ISLAMABAD- Tensions between India and Pakistan continue to rise as India has declared an official of the Pakistan High Commission as ‘Person Unwanted’ and ordered him to leave the country within 24 hours. In response, Pakistan has also declared an official of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad as ‘Person Unwanted’.
A statement issued by the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said that the concerned official has been ordered to leave Pakistan within 24 hours. The statement said, “The Government of Pakistan has declared a member of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad as ‘Person Unwanted’ for engaging in activities contrary to his privileged position.”
The statement also said that the Indian High Commissioner was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday and informed about the decision. Earlier, India had expelled a Pakistani official working at the Pakistan High Commission for his involvement in espionage. The Ministry of External Affairs said that the official was not behaving as per the norms of his post in India, hence he was asked to leave the country within 24 hours.
The action has come amid heightened tensions between the two countries after a four-day military clash. India also issued a protest letter to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi over the activities of the official. Although the Ministry of External Affairs did not give details of the allegations levelled against the Pakistani official, sources said that the allegations are related to an espionage case, which is being investigated by the Punjab Police.
Punjab Police said on Sunday that it has arrested two persons, including a woman, for their alleged involvement in espionage activities involving a Pakistani official posted at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav said that two persons have been arrested on charges of leaking sensitive information about the activities of the Indian Army to Pakistan-based agents based on reliable intelligence.