India Expels Another Pakistani Mission Staffer for Espionage, Demands Immediate Departure

India has expelled a staff member from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for alleged involvement in espionage activities, marking the second such expulsion in less than a week as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate.

The individual was designated as a ‘persona non grata’ by the Indian government, with the External Affairs Ministry stating that the person was found to be engaged in activities inconsistent with their official role in India. The ministry did not provide specific details about the charges, but the official was instructed to leave the country within 24 hours.

The chargé d’affaires of the Pakistan high commission, Saad Warraich, issued a formal protest over the matter, the ministry said. Warraich was asked to ensure that no Pakistani diplomats or officials in India abuse their privileges or status in any manner.

Over the past two weeks, at least 12 individuals from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have been arrested on charges of being involved in a Pakistan-linked espionage network. The Punjab Police had previously arrested two people for allegedly sharing sensitive information about Indian Army movements with a Pakistani national stationed at the high commission.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 civilians, India imposed a series of diplomatic and economic measures against Pakistan. These included the expulsion of three defense attaches from the Pakistan high commission and a reduction in the number of diplomatic staff in each country’s capital from 55 to 30.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have risen further after India launched a military operation in territories under Pakistani control on May 7. After four days of intense fighting, the two sides reached a ceasefire agreement on May 10.

India’s actions reflect a broader pattern of asserting control over the region, with the government taking increasingly firm measures against what it perceives as threats from Pakistan. The latest expulsions and arrests underscore the growing mistrust and the need for heightened security measures in the region.

The situation highlights the complex and often volatile nature of Indo-Pak relations, where historical conflicts and current security concerns continue to shape the dynamics between the two nations. As tensions remain high, both countries are likely to continue taking steps to safeguard their national interests and security.