Pakistan Declares Indian Diplomat Persona Non Grata Amid Tensions

Diplomatic Row: Pakistan Declares Indian Envoy Persona Non Grata

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: May 14, 2025

Summary: Pakistan has dismissed an Indian ambassador as persona non grata in a tit-for-tat move, following India's same action against a Pakistani diplomat over alleged spying.

Amid rising diplomatic tensions, Pakistan has designated an Indian diplomat persona non grata and ordered their removal within 24 hours. The move comes just a day after India expelled a Pakistani High Commission staffer in New Delhi, citing involvement in espionage activities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad issued a formal statement, accusing the Indian official of “activities inconsistent with diplomatic norms.” The Indian diplomat, whose identity hasn't been made public, has been instructed to leave the country without delay.

This development mirrors India’s action, where it claimed that the expelled Pakistani official was found to be engaged in behavior not suitable for someone holding diplomatic status. India, too, had given the diplomat 24 hours to leave.

The diplomatic spat arrives at a time of already heightened tension between the two neighbors, triggered by cross-border military exchanges and increased political friction. While such expulsions are not uncommon in Indo-Pak relations, their occurrence during times of military escalation indicates deeper strains in bilateral ties.

Declaring a diplomat persona non grata is one of the most powerful messages of disfavour in diplomacy, and both countries have already used it within 48 hours.