The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) today said that India has asked Pakistan to investigate the sexual harassment allegation of an Indian woman inside the Pakistan High Commission premises.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, while addressing a press conference, said the MEA has taken serious note of this complaint. He was referring to a complaint by Punjab-based woman academician who alleged that she was sexually harassed by some officials at the visa section of the Pakistan High Commission.
Arindam Bagchi said that India has raised the issue with Pakistan authorities and has asked them to investigate the matter.
“We have also seen a statement by the Pakistan foreign ministry saying that they are looking into the case,” he said.
After the woman made the allegations, Pakistan Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch had said last week that they are looking into the matter.
“We attach high importance to proper etiquette and behaviour towards all visa and consular applicants. All our diplomatic staff are under strict instructions to conduct themselves professionally,” Baloch had said.
He added that there is zero tolerance for misbehaviour and mistreatment of individuals visiting Pakistan missions. However, he also said that he is surprised at its timing and the manner in which it has been raised.
Indian woman alleges sexual harassment
The Indian woman had alleged that a Pakistani High Commissioner staffer had demanded sexual favours in lieu of granting her a visa. the woman had claimed that the staffer held her hand and asked her if she was married. The woman also claimed that the Pakistan embassy staffer asked her what she does to fulfill her “sexual desire”.
He also asked her to write articles against India, Kashmir and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she alleged.
Speaking about the relationship with Pakistan, Arindam Bagchi said it always wanted normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan, but there should be an atmosphere free from terror and violence for such ties. Bagchi made the comment when asked about Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s offer to hold talks between the two countries to resolve outstanding issues such as Kashmir.
