In a sharp escalation of diplomatic tensions, Pakistan has ordered an Indian diplomat to leave the country within 24 hours, declaring him “persona non grata.” The move comes just days after India expelled a Pakistani diplomat in a similar fashion, sparking yet another round of friction between the two neighbors.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office announced the decision on Tuesday, saying it was a reciprocal measure in line with diplomatic norms. The Indian official has been asked to depart promptly, reflecting the growing strain in bilateral relations.
India had earlier expelled a Pakistani diplomat over allegations of espionage-related activities, a charge Islamabad strongly denied. Responding swiftly, Pakistan matched the gesture, signaling its displeasure and reaffirming that it will not tolerate what it views as unjustified actions by New Delhi.
Both nations have a long history of diplomatic face-offs, often driven by broader geopolitical disputes. This recent tit-for-tat exchange adds to the already tense atmosphere between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, who share a turbulent relationship marked by frequent cross-border tensions and mutual mistrust.
While such expulsions are not new in Indo-Pak ties, they often mark a deeper diplomatic chill and reduce the already limited channels of communication. The latest developments are a reminder of how fragile and reactive diplomacy can be in this region, where a single incident can trigger a chain of retaliatory moves.
