After India, Pakistan expels Indian official, alleging activities 'incompatible' with privileged status

NEW DELHI: Following India's expulsion of a Pakistani diplomat from high commission in New Delhi, Pakistan on Tuesday declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission "persona non grata," alleging engagement in activities inconsistent with diplomatic protocol.Pakistan's foreign ministry summoned the Indian Charge d'Affaires to communicate their decision, requiring the official's departure within 24 hours.Pakistan's ministry of foreign affairs announced on X: "A Staff Member of the Indian High Commission, Islamabad, Declared as Persona Non Grata The Government of Pakistan has declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission, Islamabad, as persona non grata for engaging in activities incompatible with his privileged status.""The concerned official has been directed to leave Pakistan within 24 hours. The Indian Charge d’Affaires was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today for a démarche, conveying this decision," it added. Earlier, India expelled a Pakistani official working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for allegedly indulging in espionage.The ministry of external affairs issued this statement: "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. Charge d' Affaires, Pakistan High Commission, was issued a demarche to this effect today."The move comes amid tensions between the two neighbouring countries following a four-day military confrontation, leading to an imposition of ceasefire.