New Delhi, December 21 (Daily Hunt): The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has taken up the matter of Indian diplomats being harassed in Pakistan with the latter’s foreign ministry, the news agency ANI quoted sources as saying.
In the last several weeks, there have been reports that the Indian diplomats in Pakistan are not being issued new gas connections, electricity at their residences being randomly switched off and internet services of some senior Indian officials being blocked.
Also, the guests visiting these diplomats have been facing hostile questioning by the Pakistani authorities. On December 10, an intruder tried to enter the house an Indian diplomat in Islamabad.
Last month, New Delhi had lodged strong protests against Islamabad for humiliating and not letting Indian diplomats enter the Gurdwara Nankana Sahib despite being granted permission.
On March 30, 2018, India and Pakistan had mutually agreed to resolve matters related to the treatment of diplomats and diplomatic premises, in line with the 1992 Code of Conduct for the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan. Same press releases were issued by New Delhi and Islamabad.
In July of this year, speaking in the Parliament, Minister of state in Ministry external affairs, General VK Singh said, Government of India has, from time to time, taken up the incidents of harassment, aggressive surveillance and intimidation of the officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and also the obstacles placed in the early completion of residential complex for the Indian High Commission officials. The Pakistan side was asked to resolve these issues and ensure the safety and security of our diplomatic Mission and its diplomatic and consular officials.”
India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected. It also says intrusive and aggressive surveillance such as verbal and physical harassment shall not be allowed.
(The featured image at the top shows the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Photo. AFP)