Pakistan expels Indian High Commission official in tit-for-tat diplomatic move

The Pakistan government has declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad persona non grata, citing activities inconsistent with his diplomatic status. The official has been directed to leave Pakistan within 24 hours, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Persona non grata is a term used when a foreign diplomat is no longer welcome in the host country.

According to the statement, the Indian Charge d'Affaires was summoned to Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where officials conveyed the government's decision. Pakistan emphasised that diplomats and staff members of the Indian High Commission should not misuse their privileges and status and status in any manner.

This decision comes after India expelled official from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi on Wednesday. The official was declared persona non grata and asked to leave India within 24 hours.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "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."

This is the second such expulsion this month. On May 13, another Pakistani official was expelled for engaging in activities "outside his official role," although the government had not revealed his name or the nature of his actions.