India condemned Pakistan for resorting to a tit-for-tat expulsion of Indian high commission staffer Surjeet Singh in Islamabad late on Thursday.
Pakistan’s move came after India asked the neighbouring country’s high commission staffer Mehmood Akhtar — caught red-handed by Delhi police in an espionage case — to leave India by October 29.
Earlier, India’s external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup had said Pakistan should not resort to a tit-for-tat expulsion. On Friday, India said there was no ground for Pakistan’s action and called it an “afterthought”.
“The government notes with regret the government of Pakistan’s decision to declare Surjeet Singh, assistant personnel and welfare officer in the high commission of India in Islamabad, persona non grata and expel him and his family members. No justification has been provided by Pakistan except for the completely baseless and unsubstantiated allegation that his activities were not in keeping with diplomatic norms,” the external affairs ministry said in a statement.
“The government condemns Pakistan’s step. It is obvious that the step is an afterthought following yesterday’s apprehension of Pakistan high commission staffer Mehmood Akhtar in Delhi while indulging in anti-India activities,” the statement said.
Pakistan director general (South Asia and Saarc) also summoned Indian deputy high commissioner J.P. Singh on Friday to condemn “unprovoked” firing by Indian forces at Shakargarh sector on the international border and the Nikial sector on the Line of Control, which killed six Pakistani civilians and inflicted injuries on 22 others.
On Thursday, Pakistani foreign secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry had summoned Indian high commissioner Gautam Bambawale to inform him that Mr Surjeet Singh had been declared persona non grata, and he should leave Pakistan with his family by October 29.
