In a fresh diplomatic blow, India on May 13 declared a Pakistani official working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed in a press release that the Pakistani official has been asked to leave India within 24 hours. The Pakistani official working at the High Commission was involved in activities not in keeping with his official status in India. Reports suggest that the Pakistani diplomat was involved in espionage, especially when Operation Sindoor and the Indo-Pakistan border conflict were in full flow.
MEA's statement reads, "The Government of India has declared a Pakistani official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, persona non grata for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India. The official has been asked to leave India within 24 hours. Charge d’ Affaires, Pakistan High Commission, was issued a demarche to this effect today."
What did the Pakistani diplomat do?
Notably, the cover of a Pakistani diplomat was blown after Punjab Police busted the espionage network in the state. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav took to his X handle and issued a statement that reads-
"In a significant breakthrough, Malerkotla Police apprehends two individuals for their alleged involvement in espionage activities linked to a Pakistani official posted at the High Commission, New Delhi.
Acting on credible intelligence, one suspect was arrested for leaking sensitive information regarding Indian Army movements to a #Pakistan-based handler. Based on disclosures made during interrogation, a second conduit was also identified and taken into custody.
Preliminary investigation reveals that the accused had been receiving payments through online transactions in exchange for classified information. They were in frequent contact with the handler and were involved in channeling funds to other local operatives as per his instructions.
Two mobile phones have been recovered, and an FIR has been registered. This operation marks a significant step in dismantling cross-border espionage networks and reinforces our commitment to national security.
Further investigation will be undertaken as per established protocol, with a focus on tracing the financial trail and identifying additional operatives and linkages within the network."
AIR reported that Punjab Police had succeeded in busting a cross-border espionage network allegedly linked to a Pakistani official posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Two persons involved in leaking sensitive information related to Indian Army movements to their Pakistan-based handlers have been arrested from Malerkotla town of the state.