Pakistan declares an Indian diplomat ‘persona non grata’ in a tit-for-tat move, asks to leave within 24 hours

Pakistani security personnel stand guard at the diplomatic enclave near the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on April 24, 2025.
| Photo Credit: AFP

Pakistan on Tuesday (May 13, 2025) declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad “persona non grata” for engaging in activities what it called “incompatible” with his privileged status.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said that the concerned official has been directed to leave Pakistan within 24 hours.

India-Pakistan ceasefire LIVE | Follow the updates on May 13, 2025

“The Government of Pakistan has declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission, Islamabad, as persona non grata for engaging in activities incompatible with his privileged status,” it said.

It added that the Indian Charge d’Affaires was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday for a démarche, conveying this decision.

Earlier, India expelled a Pakistani official working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for allegedly indulging in espionage.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the official was indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India and that he had been given 24 hours to leave the country.

The move comes amid tensions between the two neighbours following a four-day military confrontation.