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India condemns Pak’s action against official without ‘justification’
Pakistan has expelled an official of Indian high commission in Islamabad without any “justification”
India said on Friday that Pakistan has expelled an official of Indian high commission in Islamabad without any “justification”, alleging that the neighbour continues to be in denial of its anti-India activities including cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan expelled Surjeet Singh on Thursday night, saying his activities were against diplomatic norms. This came hours after New Delhi accused a Pakistani high commission official of running a spy ring and asked him to leave India.
“The Government condemns Pakistan’s step. It is obvious that the step is an afterthought following yesterday’s apprehension of Pakistan High Commission staffer Mehmood Akhtar in Delhi while indulging in anti-India activities,” the external affairs ministry said in a statement.
It said Islamabad’s action further confirms that the neighbour is in “denial of its anti-India activities, including cross-border terrorism”.
Singh, assistant personnel and welfare officer in the high commission of India in Islamabad, was declared persona non grata and was asked leave that country by October 29.
The MEA said no “justification has been provided by the Government of Pakistan except for the completely baseless and unsubstantiated allegation that his activities were not in keeping with diplomatic norms”.
