In a reciprocal diplomatic action, the Pakistan government on Thursday, May 22, announced the expulsion of a staffer of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, declaring the individual ‘persona non grata’ and ordering his departure within 24 hours, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This move follows India’s expulsion of a Pakistani diplomat from its High Commission in New Delhi on similar grounds of engaging in activities inconsistent with diplomatic status.
According to a statement by the Foreign Office, the “Government of Pakistan has declared a staff member of the High Commission of India, Islamabad, as persona non grata for engaging in activities inconsistent with his privileged status. The concerned official has been directed to leave Pakistan within 24 hours,” it said.
Earlier on Wednesday, May 21, India had expelled 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, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
