Pakistan Expels Indian Diplomat in Response to India’s Expulsion of Pakistani Official
On May 22, 2025, the Government of Pakistan announced the expulsion of a staff member from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, following a similar action by India earlier that week. The move marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring nations.
India had on May 21, 2025, expelled a Pakistani official from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, accusing him of involvement in espionage activities. This was the second such incident in a week, according to sources familiar with the matter. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the Indian diplomat was declared ‘persona non grata’ for engaging in activities inconsistent with his official status and was given 24 hours to leave the country.
Following India’s action, Pakistan took a reciprocal stance. The Foreign Office confirmed that a staff member of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad had been designated ‘persona non grata’ for similar reasons. The individual was directed to leave Pakistan within 24 hours, as per the government’s statement.
The Indian Chargé d’Affaires was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deliver this decision. The statement emphasized that no diplomats or staff members of the Indian High Commission should abuse their privileges or status in any manner.
The heightened tensions between India and Pakistan have been exacerbated by the Pahalgam attack, which occurred in 2024 and resulted in the deaths of 26 people. The incident has been a focal point in the ongoing security and diplomatic disputes between the two nations.
Both countries have maintained that the expulsions are in line with their diplomatic protocols and are aimed at upholding the integrity of their respective missions. The actions reflect a broader concern over the misuse of diplomatic privileges and the potential for espionage activities by personnel stationed in each other’s territories.
Analysts suggest that the recent expulsions are part of a larger effort to address the growing security concerns and to ensure that diplomatic personnel adhere to the highest standards of conduct. The situation has also raised questions about the effectiveness of current diplomatic safeguards in preventing such incidents.
As the two nations continue to navigate their complex relationship, the expulsions underscore the delicate balance between maintaining diplomatic relations and ensuring the security of their respective missions. The outcome of this situation will likely have far-reaching implications for bilateral relations in the coming weeks.