NATIONAL: India Expels Another Pakistani Diplomat Amid Escalating Tensions
Diplomatic Expulsion Within 24 Hours
India has expelled a second official from the Pakistan High Commission in just over a week, setting a strict 24-hour deadline for the individual to leave the country. The expulsion was formally conveyed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which cited conduct “inconsistent with diplomatic norms” as the reason for this action.
No further details were provided regarding the specific nature of the misconduct.
Repeat Incident Raises Diplomatic Alarm
This move comes shortly after another Pakistani official was expelled on espionage-related charges. The back-to-back expulsions have drawn attention to rising diplomatic friction between the two countries. According to official sources, both cases involved serious breaches of protocol, prompting India’s swift diplomatic response.
Official Statement by MEA
The MEA stated that the expelled individual had “violated the expected decorum associated with a diplomatic assignment” and that India could not overlook such behavior. The official has been instructed to vacate Indian territory within 24 hours.
However, the ministry refrained from disclosing further specifics, including the officer’s identity or rank.
Context: Military Tensions Post-Pahalgam Attack
These developments follow heightened military activities in the region. After a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Indian Army reportedly launched “Operation Sindoor”, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Although the situation has relatively de-escalated since, the diplomatic fallout continues, with both nations observing each other’s moves closely.
Rising Strain on India-Pakistan Relations
The latest expulsion underscores the fragile nature of bilateral ties between India and Pakistan. While military tension has momentarily cooled, diplomatic hostility appears to be resurfacing.
Experts warn that repeated diplomatic expulsions can derail future engagement channels and undermine backchannel communications, especially when formal dialogue remains suspended.