Diplomatic Row Escalates After Military Confrontation
New Delhi, May 13 – India on Tuesday expelled a Pakistani official stationed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, accusing him of engaging in espionage. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the diplomat was involved in activities "not in keeping with his official status and was directed to leave the country within 24 hours.Soon after India’s action, Pakistan's Foreign Office responded by declaring an Indian staff member at the Indian mission in Islamabad as persona non grata on similar espionage-related charges. The Pakistani statement said the Indian official and his family had also been asked to exit the country within 24 hours.
These reciprocal expulsions come from heightened tensions between the two nations following a four-day military confrontation.
MEA Issues Demarche Over Espionage Link
In a statement, the MEA confirmed the expulsion and noted that a demarche had been issued to the Charge d'Affaires at the Pakistan High Commission. While specific charges were not detailed, it is believed the expulsion is tied to an ongoing espionage probe by the Punjab Police."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 MEA said.
Punjab Espionage Case Unfolds
Earlier, the Punjab Police had revealed the arrest of two individuals, including a woman, in connection with an espionage operation allegedly linked to a Pakistani official at the High Commission. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said that a suspect was apprehended for leaking sensitive information about Indian Army movements to a handler in Pakistan.The arrests were based on actionable intelligence, and investigations revealed a network involved in sharing confidential military data.
Previous Arrests Point to Wider Espionage Ring
In a related case, the Amritsar Rural Police had recently arrested Falaksher Masih and Suraj Masih for allegedly transmitting sensitive photographs and details of army cantonments and air bases to Pakistan’s intelligence agency. Authorities said the accused were compensated through online financial transactions for their involvement.This string of developments has further strained already tense Indo-Pak ties, bringing diplomatic and security concerns to the forefront.