- By Shivangi Sharma
- Wed, 21 May 2025 09:15 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Government of India has expelled a Pakistani official posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, declaring him persona non grata for engaging in activities deemed incompatible with his diplomatic role. The official has been directed to leave the country within 24 hours. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Charge d’Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission on Wednesday to formally deliver a demarche regarding the conduct of the expelled official.
The MEA also conveyed a stern warning, urging Pakistani authorities to ensure that their diplomatic staff in India strictly adhere to established protocols and do not misuse their privileges.
Press Release: Pakistani official declared persona non grata
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) May 21, 2025
🔗 https://t.co/jN387etg6w
On May 13, India declared a Pakistani official at the High Commission in New Delhi persona non grata for engaging in activities inconsistent with his diplomatic role. He was ordered to leave the country within 24 hours, and a formal demarche was issued to Pakistan's Charge d’Affaires.
Persona Non Grata Declaration
Under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), any host country may, at any time and without explanation, declare a foreign diplomat “persona non grata” (“unwelcome person”). Once so designated, the individual loses all diplomatic privileges and immunities and must leave the country within the timeframe stipulated—24 hours, in this case. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Pakistan High Commission’s Charge d’Affaires to deliver a demarche detailing the expulsion and to warn that Pakistani diplomats in India must strictly adhere to their official status and not misuse their privileges.
India’s Response To Pahalgam Attack
Since the April 22 Pahalgam attack, India has taken a series of stringent diplomatic and security measures to respond to what it alleges is Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism. These measures include the suspension of visa services for Pakistani nationals, along with the cancellation of all existing visas. The government also shut down the integrated check post at the Attari border, restricting cross-border movement to only essential traffic. In a significant move, India temporarily suspended its obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty.