After India expelled a Pakistani diplomat, Pakistan has also responded in the same manner. An official of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad has been declared 'persona non grata' and ordered to leave the country within 24 hours. This action further deepens the ongoing diplomatic tension between the two countries, which is already at its peak after the Pahalgam terrorist attack and India's 'Operation Sindoor'. The governments of India and Pakistan are now taking retaliatory steps at the same level, which has further strained bilateral relations.
After the killing of 26 people in the attack in Pahalgam in South Kashmir, India had taken extensive action against terrorist hideouts in Pakistan under 'Operation Sindoor'. More than a hundred terrorists were killed in this military operation and Pakistan's air defense system was destroyed. In response, Pakistan appealed for a ceasefire, after which a consensus was reached on restoring peace on the border in a DGMO level meeting.
India's action and Pakistan's response
After accusing a Pakistani High Commission official in New Delhi of espionage, India asked him to leave the country within 24 hours. After this, Pakistan also declared an Indian official as persona non grata on the same day. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said that the Indian official was involved in 'inappropriate activities', which were not in accordance with his diplomatic status. Pakistan described this action as a direct response to India's move.
After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, India's retaliatory military action created a stir in Pakistan. India's air defense system foiled Pakistani attacks, after which Pakistan appealed for a ceasefire. After the DGMO level talks, both the countries agreed to stop cross-border firing, but incidents of diplomatic expulsion indicate that the tension is not completely over.