ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has categorically rejected the baseless allegations made by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, as a pretext to seek a 50% reduction in the staff strength of the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi.
In a statement issued today (Tuesday), FO Spokesperson said, “Pakistan completely dismisses allegations of any violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations by the officials of the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi and reiterates that they always function within the parameters of international law and diplomatic norms.”
FO spokesperson further said, “Pakistan also rejects the insinuations of intimidation of Indian High Commission officials in Islamabad. The Indian Government’s smear campaign against Pakistan cannot obfuscate the illegal activities in which the Indian High Commission officials were found involved in.”
“The MEA’s statement is another effort to distort facts and deny the culpability of these Indian High Commission officials in criminal offences,” FO spokesperson added.
The statement also said, “The latest Indian action is a part of India’s desperate attempts to divert attention from its state-terrorism and worst human rights violations in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoJ&K).”
“India would be better advised to focus on its internal and external issues, rather than creating diversions at the cost of peace and stability in South Asia,” it added.
Earlier today, India sought to reduce staff strength at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi by 50 percent. According to a statement issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the decision has been conveyed to Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires.
“Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires was informed that Delhi has repeatedly expressed concerns about the activities of officials at the Pakistan High Commission,” the statement added. “They have been engaged in acts of espionage and maintained dealings with terrorist organisations,” it said.
The statement also alleged that Pakistan has engaged in a sustained campaign to intimidate the officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad from carrying on their legitimate diplomatic functions.
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