After India expelled the Pakistani Official working in the Indian High Commission on charges of espionage. Now, Pakistan has also declared the Indian official persona non grata.
In the recent escalation of diplomatic tensions, India, last week saw the expulsion of two Pakistani Officials, after which, calling it a tit for tat action Pakistan also has now expelled the Indian official working at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Both nations called it “engaging in activities inconsistent with their privileged status” (a diplomatic term often implying espionage) as the reason for declaring the respective officials “persona non grata” and ordering their departure within 24 hours.
The immediate trigger point for these continuous tensions appears to be a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, in April 2025, which claimed 26 lives. India reciprocated the attack and subsequently launched targeted strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in early May under “Operation Sindoor.” Following this, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The Indian side responded strongly to the Pakistani actions.
After the tensions ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions, following talks between the DGOs (directors general of military operations) of both sides on May 10.
After which India had expelled the Pakistani Official working in the Indian High Commission on May 21, 2025. This was the second such expulsion this month. On May 13, another Pakistani official was expelled for engaging in activities.
The MEA of India stated, “The Government of India has declared a Pakistani official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, persona non grata for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India. The official has been asked to leave India within 24 hours.
Also, the Charge d’Affaires, Pakistan High Commission, was issued a demarche to this effect today. He was asked to strictly ensure that none of the Pakistani diplomats or officials in India misuse their privileges and status in any manner.
Now, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan has also tweeted the same.
According to a statement by the Foreign Office, the “Government of Pakistan has declared a staff member of the High Commission of India, Islamabad, as persona non grata for engaging in activities inconsistent with his privileged status. The concerned official has been directed to leave Pakistan within 24 hours.
