ISLAMABAD, June 24 (NNN-APP) – Pakistan demanded India reduce staff of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad by 50 percent, in a tit-for-tat action, hours after a similar decision by the Indian government.
Pakistan and India had been involved in a diplomatic row in recent days, over what both sides claimed harassment of staff members of high commissions in New Delhi and Islamabad.
The Foreign Ministry of Pakistan said, the Indian charge d’Affaires in Islamabad was summoned to convey Pakistan’s decision to reduce the Indian High Commission’s staff by 50 percent as a “reciprocal measure.”
“The chargé d’Affaires was asked to implement the decision within seven days,” the ministry said, after the Indian decision to reduce Pakistani staff by 50 percent in New Delhi and accusations that members of the Pakistani High Commission are involved in illegal activities.
Pakistan dismissed the allegations and reiterated, they always function within the parameters of international law and diplomatic norms.
Pakistan also rejected the “insinuations of intimidation” by Indian High Commission officials in Islamabad, and alleged that two Indian staffers were involved in “illegal activities” of a hit-and-run incident and possession of fake currency. They were detained by the Islamabad police, but freed later.
Pakistani Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, said last night, “If India expels Pakistani officials, Pakistan will take similar action.”
“India does not respect diplomatic norms,” Qureshi said, adding that, India has levelled baseless allegations against Pakistani staff members.
Pakistan’s former senior diplomat, Burhan-ul-Islam, said, India took the decision first, to announce a 50-percent cut in Pakistani mission, in a way to minimise chances of improvement in relations with Pakistan.
“I think that the Indian government wants to divert attention from other issues, as it is under pressure at home,” Islam said, last night.
He said, the Indian allegations against Pakistani staff are very weak and India cannot substantiate its claims about the Pakistani diplomat.
Relations between Pakistan and India have been under pressure since India revoked special status to Indian-controlled Kashmir in Aug, last year.– NNN-APP
