NEW DELHI, June 23:
In a major downgrading of diplomatic ties, India today asked Pakistan to reduce the staff in its High Commission here by half in next seven days, and announced a reciprocal trimming of staff strength in its High Commission in Islamabad.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the Charge d’Affaires of Pakistan High Commission was summoned and informed about the decision which was based on instances of involvement of Pakistani officials in “acts of espionage” and “dealings with terrorist organisations”.
The activities of the two Pakistani mission officials caught red-handed and expelled on 31 May 2020 was one example in that regard, MEA said in a statement.
“While their officials indulged in actions that are not in conformity with their privileged status in the commission, Pakistan has in parallel engaged in a sustained campaign to intimidate the officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad from carrying on their legitimate diplomatic functions. The recent abduction at gunpoint of two Indian officials and their severe ill treatment underlines the extent to which Pakistan has gone in that direction,” MEA said.
Therefore, it said, India has taken the decision to reduce the staff strength in the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi by 50 per cent. “It would reciprocally reduce its own presence in Islamabad to the same proportion. This decision, which is to be implemented in seven days, was conveyed to the Pakistani Charge d’Affaires,” it added. (PTI)
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