By The Sampadak Express
India has expelled another official from the Pakistan High Commission on charges of espionage the second such action in less than a week, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The MEA declared the Pakistani official “persona non grata” for activities “not in keeping with his official status” and ordered him to leave the country within 24 hours. A formal diplomatic protest, or demarche, was issued to the acting head of the Pakistan High Commission, Saad Warraich, emphasizing that Pakistani diplomats must not misuse their diplomatic privileges.
This follows a similar incident on May 13, when another Pakistani diplomat was expelled on similar charges. In retaliation, Pakistan expelled an Indian official from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
The expulsions come as police investigations in Punjab and Haryana uncover a suspected espionage ring. At least three individuals have been arrested so far. Authorities allege that sensitive military information, including photographs of army cantonments and airbases, was passed to handlers linked to Pakistan’s intelligence services.
Last week, Punjab Police arrested two individuals, Falaksher Masih and Suraj Masih, for allegedly sharing strategic military details. Another arrest was made based on intelligence reports indicating leaks about Indian Army movements.
These developments coincide with rising tensions between India and Pakistan. On May 7, India conducted precision strikes on nine terror infrastructure sites in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. Pakistan reportedly attempted retaliatory strikes between May 8 and 10, which were met with a strong response by Indian forces targeting key Pakistani military assets.
However, on May 10, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced a mutual agreement between India and Pakistan to halt all military actions across land, air, and sea, effective immediately.
