Harassment of Indian diplomats returns in Islamabad

Harassment of Indian diplomats is back in Islamabad, from no gas connection in new residences, randomly switching off electricity to hostile questioning of guests at the reception. In the last several weeks, many of such incidents have been reported in the Pak city.

On 10th December, an intruder tried to enter the house an Indian diplomat in Islamabad. India has lodged a complaint. Other than this, the internet has also being blocked out.

In March of this year, Indian and Pakistani diplomats in respective countries reported harassment. After weeks of discussions that happened at a higher level, both the sides agreed to resolve the matter.

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On 30 March 2018, India and Pakistan 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, speaking in the Parliament, Minister of state in Ministry of External Affairs General VK Singh said, "the 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."

The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992.

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 government of India also picked up the matter of internet connectivity, and access to government websites in Islamabad. India sent a reminder last week stating that the official website of the government of India, ending with gov.in, and the internet connection at the high commission in Islamabad continues to be intermittently blocked. Specifically, the website indianvisaonline.gov.in which is used by applicants in Pakistan to apply for visas has been non-accessible for extended period causing disruption in the visa application process for the applicants.

India called on Pakistan to ensure that the internet service providers in the country restore internet service to the high commission and stop blocking Indian government websites.