Pakistan expels Indian diplomat amid fresh tensions
Islamabad cites misconduct as reason for expulsion; move follows similar action by India, reflecting growing diplomatic strain between rivals
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) — Pakistan has expelled a staff member of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, declaring the diplomat persona non grata for allegedly engaging in activities “inconsistent with his privileged status.”
The individual was given 24 hours to leave the country, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.
The Indian Chargé d’Affaires was summoned on Thursday to formally receive the order. Pakistan said that all diplomatic staff must respect international norms and refrain from conduct that undermines their official role.
The move came hours after India expelled an official posted at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi under similar accusations. India also summoned Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires and issued a formal demarche, urging compliance with diplomatic protocols.
The reciprocal expulsions underscore deepening diplomatic friction between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, already strained over longstanding territorial and security disputes.
The escalation follows a deadly suicide bombing in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province.
A vehicle carrying more than 30 kilograms of explosives rammed into a school bus in Khuzdar on Wednesday, killing at least six people, including three schoolchildren. Several others were injured.
Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), accused India of orchestrating the attack through proxy groups operating in Balochistan and neighboring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
The ISPR alleged that India has been using insurgent networks based in Afghanistan to destabilize Pakistan.
The attack drew strong international condemnation. The United States expressed solidarity with the victims, with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker stating, “No child should ever fear going to school.”
China also denounced the violence. Ambassador Jiang Zaidong extended condolences and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. “China opposes all forms of terrorism and will continue to stand with Pakistan,” he said.
Human rights groups also voiced alarm. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) called the bombing a violation of international humanitarian law and urged the government to prosecute those responsible while addressing the root causes of conflict in Balochistan through peaceful and lawful means.
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