Tit-for-tat move: Pakistan decides to reduce Indian diplomatic staff by 50%

NEW DELHI (92 News) – The Indian Chargé d’ Affaires in Islamabad was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inform him of Pakistan’s decision to reduce the Indian High Commission’s staff strength by 50% as a reciprocal measure. The Indian Chargé d’ Affaires was also conveyed Pakistan’s rejection and condemnation of the baseless Indian allegations. He was asked to implement the decision conveyed to him within seven days. Earlier, Pakistan categorically rejected and strongly condemned the baseless allegations made by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs as a pretext to seek 50% reduction in the staff strength of the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi. 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. 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. 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. Pakistan has been consistently sensitizing the world community that irresponsible policies of the BJP government are increasingly imperilling regional peace and stability.