India-Pakistan tensions are once again in focus after authorities in New Delhi cleared unauthorized structures and encroachments outside the Pakistan High Commission.

The action comes days after Pakistani authorities removed security barricades and parking poles outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, making the latest move another apparent tit-for-tat development amid strained bilateral relations.

According to the report, the structures near the visa section of the Pakistan mission were found beyond the compound’s approved perimeter. Authorities subsequently removed the unauthorized structures and encroachments.

Visuals show rubble, metal railings, gates, roofing sheets, bricks and concrete debris outside the mission. Parts of the outer structures, including corrugated roofing and metal fencing, were pulled down, while the main entrance remained intact.

Delhi Clears Pakistan High Commission Encroachments In Tit-For-Tat Move With Islamabad

New Delhi: Authorities in New Delhi have removed unauthorised structures and encroachments outside the Pakistan High Commission. The structures, located near the visa section of the Pakistani mission, stood outside the compound’s designated perimeter and were cleared by the concerned agencies, it is learnt.&nbsp;The tit-for-tat move comes days after Pakistani authorities dismantled parking poles outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Reciprocal actions have been the norm in the strained ties of the two countries. Historical precedents include mutual staff reductions, tighter access controls and administrative restrictions, steps India has matched whenever required, after Pakistani action.&nbsp;The move comes against the backdrop of persistently strained bilateral ties due to Pakistan’s support for cross-border terror against India. Relations between the two countries remain at one of their lowest points in decades, more than a year after a four-day military confrontation that followed a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, India.&nbsp;In April 2025, Pakistan-trained terrorists killed 26 people in Pahalgam, Union territory of J&amp;K. It was followed by India's counter-terror “Operation Sindoor”, with strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The brief conflict, the most serious since the 1999 Kargil War, ended with Pakistan reaching out to India for a ceasefire.&nbsp;Since then, formal diplomacy has effectively frozen. Trade is suspended, the main land border crossing is closed, and visa regimes have been sharply restricted. High commissions in both capitals operate with reduced staff. India placed the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, stating it would remain so until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably” ends support for cross-border terrorism.&nbsp;New Delhi insists normal neighbourly relations are possible only in an atmosphere free of violence and terrorism. Military channels have not been completely severed. Weekly telephone calls between the Directors General of Military Operations continue, and the ceasefire have largely held with only limited reported violations.

The tit-for-tat move comes days after Pakistani authorities dismantled parking poles outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Reciprocal actions have been the norm in the strained ties of the two countries.

New Delhi: Authorities in New Delhi have removed unauthorised structures and encroachments outside the Pakistan High Commission. The structures, located near the visa section of the Pakistani mission, stood outside the compound’s designated perimeter and were cleared by the concerned agencies, it is learnt. The tit-for-tat move comes days after Pakistani authorities dismantled parking poles outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Reciprocal actions have been the norm in the strained ties of the two countries. Historical precedents include mutual staff reductions, tighter access controls and administrative restrictions, steps India has matched whenever required, after Pakistani action. The move comes against the backdrop of persistently strained bilateral ties due to Pakistan’s support for cross-border terror against India. Relations between the two countries remain at one of their lowest points in decades, more than a year after a four-day military confrontation that followed a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, India. In April 2025, Pakistan-trained terrorists killed 26 people in Pahalgam, Union territory of J&K. It was followed by India's counter-terror “Operation Sindoor”, with strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The brief conflict, the most serious since the 1999 Kargil War, ended with Pakistan reaching out to India for a ceasefire. Since then, formal diplomacy has effectively frozen. Trade is suspended, the main land border crossing is closed, and visa regimes have been sharply restricted. High commissions in both capitals operate with reduced staff. India placed the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, stating it would remain so until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably” ends support for cross-border terrorism. New Delhi insists normal neighbourly relations are possible only in an atmosphere free of violence and terrorism. Military channels have not been completely severed. Weekly telephone calls between the Directors General of Military Operations continue, and the ceasefire have largely held with only limited reported violations.

The tit-for-tat move comes days after Pakistani authorities dismantled parking poles outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Reciprocal actions have been the norm in the strained ties of the two countries.

Authorities clear unauthorised structures outside Pakistan High Commission after poles removed near Indian mission in Islamabad

A travel blogger from Hisar, Haryana, has been arrested for allegedly passing sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence operatives. The case has brought to light her links with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, a Pakistani official working at the High Commission in New Delhi.
The accused, Jyoti Malhotra, who runs the YouTube channel Travel With Jo, was charged under the Official Secrets Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. She has been remanded to police custody for five days following her confession.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-travel-vlogger-jyoti-malhotra-travel-with-jo-arrested-for-spying-for-pakistan-india-pakistan-tensions-operation-sindoor-9078809" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Indian travel vlogger arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan: Who is she and what are the charges against her?</a>
<h2>Who is Danish and how was he involved?</h2>
According to the FIR filed at Hisar&rsquo;s Civil Lines police station, Malhotra met Ehsan-ur-Rahim during a 2023 visit to the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. Identified as a staffer there, Rahim, alias Danish, allegedly acted as her handler with Pakistani intelligence.
The FIR says, &ldquo;The woman revealed that she remained in touch with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish and during her Pakistan visit in 2023, she met Ali Ehwan, who ensured my staying and travelling in Pakistan. Ehwan introduced her to Pakistani security and intelligence officials, where she also met with Shakir and Rana Shahbaz.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/boycott-turkey-operation-sindoor-more-muslims-in-india-than-pakistan-owaisi-slams-turkey-for-backing-pak-says-220-million-muslims-living-here-9079699" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'More Muslims in India than Pakistan': Owaisi slams Turkey for backing Pak, says '220 million Muslims living here'</a>
<h2>India expels Rahim for espionage</h2>
On 13 May 2025, the Indian government declared Rahim persona non grata and expelled him. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that a formal protest had been lodged with the Pakistan High Commission.
&ldquo;The Government of India has declared a Pakistani official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, persona non grata for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India. The official has been asked to leave India within 24 hours,&rdquo; read the MEA statement.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aimim-asaduddin-owaisi-slams-pakistan-anti-terror-all-party-delegations-india-pakistan-war-operation-sindoor-9078927" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Danger for humanity': Owaisi slams Pakistan&rsquo;s Islamic image as he joins Centre's anti-terror all-party delegations to foreign countries</a>
<h2>Malhotra&rsquo;s video shows her close ties with Rahim</h2>
A video posted by Malhotra on 30 March last year shows her close relationship with Rahim. In the video, recorded during an Iftar party at the Pakistan High Commission, she is seen warmly interacting with Rahim and his wife.
Rahim was seen introducing her to his wife, after which they talked&nbsp;about Pakistan Day celebrations. &ldquo;I am very happy after getting such a grand welcome and these arrangements,&rdquo; Malhotra said in the video, to which Rahim responded, &ldquo;This is how Pakistanis are.&rdquo;
Malhotra was also seen inviting Rahim and his wife to her home in Hisar. &ldquo;Come see the hospitality in our village. It&rsquo;s very similar,&rdquo; she told them.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-restricts-bangladesh-garment-imports-to-kolkata-mumbai-seaports-curbs-northeast-land-ports-9079587" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">India restricts Bangladesh garment imports to Kolkata, Mumbai seaports, curbs Northeast land ports</a>
Throughout the video, Malhotra says that she is eager to visit Pakistan. She asked several attendees whether they had been to the country, adding, &ldquo;I want to go, too,&rdquo; and &ldquo;Hopefully I will get a visa, we&rsquo;ll go together.&rdquo;
She also engaged with Chinese officials, asking them for a visa as well, &ldquo;Give me visa!&rdquo; she said.

India news: According to the FIR filed at Hisar’s Civil Lines police station, Jyoti Malhotra met Ehsan-ur-Rahim during a 2023 visit to the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.

A travel blogger from Hisar, Haryana, has been arrested for allegedly passing sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence operatives. The case has brought to light her links with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, also known as Danish, a Pakistani official working at the High Commission in New Delhi. The accused, Jyoti Malhotra, who runs the YouTube channel Travel With Jo, was charged under the Official Secrets Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. She has been remanded to police custody for five days following her confession. Also read: Indian travel vlogger arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan: Who is she and what are the charges against her? Who is Danish and how was he involved? According to the FIR filed at Hisar’s Civil Lines police station, Malhotra met Ehsan-ur-Rahim during a 2023 visit to the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. Identified as a staffer there, Rahim, alias Danish, allegedly acted as her handler with Pakistani intelligence. The FIR says, “The woman revealed that she remained in touch with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish and during her Pakistan visit in 2023, she met Ali Ehwan, who ensured my staying and travelling in Pakistan. Ehwan introduced her to Pakistani security and intelligence officials, where she also met with Shakir and Rana Shahbaz.” Also read: 'More Muslims in India than Pakistan': Owaisi slams Turkey for backing Pak, says '220 million Muslims living here' India expels Rahim for espionage On 13 May 2025, the Indian government declared Rahim persona non grata and expelled him. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that a formal protest had been lodged with the Pakistan High Commission. “The Government of India has declared a Pakistani official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, persona non grata for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India. The official has been asked to leave India within 24 hours,” read the MEA statement. Also read: 'Danger for humanity': Owaisi slams Pakistan’s Islamic image as he joins Centre's anti-terror all-party delegations to foreign countries Malhotra’s video shows her close ties with Rahim A video posted by Malhotra on 30 March last year shows her close relationship with Rahim. In the video, recorded during an Iftar party at the Pakistan High Commission, she is seen warmly interacting with Rahim and his wife. Rahim was seen introducing her to his wife, after which they talked about Pakistan Day celebrations. “I am very happy after getting such a grand welcome and these arrangements,” Malhotra said in the video, to which Rahim responded, “This is how Pakistanis are.” Malhotra was also seen inviting Rahim and his wife to her home in Hisar. “Come see the hospitality in our village. It’s very similar,” she told them. Also read: India restricts Bangladesh garment imports to Kolkata, Mumbai seaports, curbs Northeast land ports Throughout the video, Malhotra says that she is eager to visit Pakistan. She asked several attendees whether they had been to the country, adding, “I want to go, too,” and “Hopefully I will get a visa, we’ll go together.” She also engaged with Chinese officials, asking them for a visa as well, “Give me visa!” she said.

Who is Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish? Expelled Pakistani diplomat linked to Indian YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra accused of spying

India on Tuesday (May 13) declared a Pakistani diplomat posted at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-pakistan-nationals-depart-india-after-meas-leave-india-notice-9008301" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pakistan High Commission</a> in New Delhi as persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within 24 hours. 
The decision comes in the wake of heightened tensions following the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and India&rsquo;s military response across the border.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, &ldquo;The Government of India has declared a Pakistani official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, persona non grata for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India. The official has been asked to leave India within 24 hours. Charge d&rsquo; Affaires, Pakistan High Commission, was issued a demarche to this effect today.&rdquo;
Hours later, In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan expelled an Indian High Commission staffer in Islamabad on expected lines.
"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. The concerned official has been directed to leave Pakistan within 24 hours," Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/f-16-operation-sindoor-pakistan-profit-us-brief-history-of-us-pakistan-f-16-deals-9065466" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">F-16 in fine print: How much Pakistan paid and how much profit US made? | A brief history of US-Pakistan F-16 deals</a>
<h2>Move follows Operation Sindoor and recent ceasefire</h2>
The expulsion comes just days after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, following India's large-scale cross-border operation, named Operation Sindoor. The operation targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), and was launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians were killed in the Baisaran Valley.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imf-pakistan-military-spending-operation-sindoor-india-pakistan-9061031" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">WION DataLabs: Pakistan got $22 billion from the IMF in 25 years, but spent $185 billion on its military</a>
<h2>Diplomatic action began after Pahalgam attack</h2>
Following the Pahalgam attack, India summoned Pakistan&rsquo;s senior diplomat, Saad Ahmad Warraich, and handed over a formal note on 22 April, declaring Pakistan&rsquo;s military diplomats persona non grata. This latest move appears to be a continuation of that diplomatic response.
<h2>What does &lsquo;persona non grata&rsquo; mean?</h2>
Persona non grata is a Latin term meaning &ldquo;an unwelcome person.&rdquo; In diplomatic terms, it refers to someone whose presence is no longer acceptable in the host country. It&rsquo;s one of the most serious forms of censure in diplomatic relations and often results in immediate expulsion.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mea-briefing-india-pakistan-jk-donald-trump-india-pakistan-ceasefire-operation-sindoor-live-9065048" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Our policy has not changed&rsquo;: MEA says J&amp;K is 'bilateral issue' between India, Pakistan - Did India dismiss Trump&rsquo;s ceasefire claim?</a>

India news: The expulsion comes just days after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, following India's large-scale cross-border operation, named Operation Sindoor.

India on Tuesday (May 13) declared a Pakistani diplomat posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi as persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within 24 hours. The decision comes in the wake of heightened tensions following the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and India’s military response across the border. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “The Government of India has declared a Pakistani official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, persona non grata for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India. The official has been asked to leave India within 24 hours. Charge d’ Affaires, Pakistan High Commission, was issued a demarche to this effect today.” Hours later, In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan expelled an Indian High Commission staffer in Islamabad on expected lines. "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. The concerned official has been directed to leave Pakistan within 24 hours," Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said. Also read: F-16 in fine print: How much Pakistan paid and how much profit US made? | A brief history of US-Pakistan F-16 deals Move follows Operation Sindoor and recent ceasefire The expulsion comes just days after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, following India's large-scale cross-border operation, named Operation Sindoor. The operation targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), and was launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians were killed in the Baisaran Valley. Also read: WION DataLabs: Pakistan got $22 billion from the IMF in 25 years, but spent $185 billion on its military Diplomatic action began after Pahalgam attack Following the Pahalgam attack, India summoned Pakistan’s senior diplomat, Saad Ahmad Warraich, and handed over a formal note on 22 April, declaring Pakistan’s military diplomats persona non grata. This latest move appears to be a continuation of that diplomatic response. What does ‘persona non grata’ mean? Persona non grata is a Latin term meaning “an unwelcome person.” In diplomatic terms, it refers to someone whose presence is no longer acceptable in the host country. It’s one of the most serious forms of censure in diplomatic relations and often results in immediate expulsion. Also read: ‘Our policy has not changed’: MEA says J&K is 'bilateral issue' between India, Pakistan - Did India dismiss Trump’s ceasefire claim?

Pakistan expels Indian diplomat in tit-for-tat move hours after New Delhi declares Pakistani diplomat ‘persona non grata’

The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has been accused of allegedly celebrating the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. A video of a man carrying a cake inside the office in Indian capital New Delhi's Chanakyapuri area has been a part of the discussion online. The high-octane scene unfolded as media personnel asked what the celebration was about. The man kept mum and rushed in.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9v4rx6g-3du18yhk-u5srzgcy">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Visuals from outside the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi; Police remove barricades which were placed outside it <a href="https://t.co/Fk9JDAM5eR">pic.twitter.com/Fk9JDAM5eR</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1915272112995975498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
The speculation on what the celebration could be about has also been the discussion online, social media is abuzz. As it comes, two days after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed at least 26 lives.
Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-addresses-first-public-rally-after-pahalgam-terror-attack-8996493">'India's spirit not broken': PM Modi addresses 1st public rally after Pahalgam terror attack</a>
Sources privy to the matter told WION and insisted the cake which has become the centre of discussion, 'was ordered five days ago'. The confectionery was selected and booked to 'celebrate the birthday of a staff member's wife', who resides in the accommodation allotted in the Pakistan High Commission.
<h2>Pahalgam terror attack</h2>
It was while enjoying the breezy weather and mesmerising beauty of the lush green meadows of Baisaran that armed men held tourists at gunpoint and shot at close range.
The attack was orchestrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) offshoot The Resistance Front. According to sources, Lashkar commander Adil Gouri, who went to Pakistan from India in 2018, was instrumental in planning this attack. It is learnt that he recently infiltrated back into the Indian territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He was one of the terrorists who killed the tourists in Pahalgam's Baisaran meadow.

The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has been accused of allegedly celebrating the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. India news

The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has been accused of allegedly celebrating the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. A video of a man carrying a cake inside the office in Indian capital New Delhi's Chanakyapuri area has been a part of the discussion online. The high-octane scene unfolded as media personnel asked what the celebration was about. The man kept mum and rushed in. #WATCH | Visuals from outside the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi; Police remove barricades which were placed outside it pic.twitter.com/Fk9JDAM5eR — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025 The speculation on what the celebration could be about has also been the discussion online, social media is abuzz. As it comes, two days after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed at least 26 lives. Also Read - 'India's spirit not broken': PM Modi addresses 1st public rally after Pahalgam terror attack Sources privy to the matter told WION and insisted the cake which has become the centre of discussion, 'was ordered five days ago'. The confectionery was selected and booked to 'celebrate the birthday of a staff member's wife', who resides in the accommodation allotted in the Pakistan High Commission. Pahalgam terror attack It was while enjoying the breezy weather and mesmerising beauty of the lush green meadows of Baisaran that armed men held tourists at gunpoint and shot at close range. The attack was orchestrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) offshoot The Resistance Front. According to sources, Lashkar commander Adil Gouri, who went to Pakistan from India in 2018, was instrumental in planning this attack. It is learnt that he recently infiltrated back into the Indian territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He was one of the terrorists who killed the tourists in Pahalgam's Baisaran meadow.

Pahalgam terror attack: A man was seen carrying cake inside Pakistan High Commission in India | Fact Check

The Government of Pakistan has made a payment of $28.706 million (Rs4.59 billion) to the British firm Broadsheet LLC after losing the long-running litigation at the London High Court.

The payment was made by Pakistan High Commission (PHC) on behalf of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to the assets recovery firm — 17 years after it was hired to trace alleged foreign assets of dozens of Pakistanis which it failed to find any.

The Broadsheet LLC was hired by NAB during Musharraf’s regime to trace hidden assets of 200 Pakistanis, including former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Zardari in foreign countries. NAB terminated its agreement with Broadsheet in 2003. The firm’s claim against Pakistan was worth at least $600 million.

On December 17 the London High Court’s Financial Division had issued a Final Third Party Order for payment to NAB’s former client Broadsheet by December 30 bringing to end a case that has cost Pakistani taxpayers billions of rupees.

The sources said that around Rs4.5 billion ($26,153,783.34) NAB amount was lying in the UBL, London account, which is operated in the name of Pakistan High Commission in the UK.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Government of Pakistan has made a payment of $28.706 million (Rs4.59 billion) to the British firm Broadsheet LLC after losing the long-running litigation at the London High Court.

The Government of Pakistan has made a payment of $28.706 million (Rs4.59 billion) to the British firm Broadsheet LLC after losing the long-running litigation at the London High Court. The payment was made by Pakistan High Commission (PHC) on behalf of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to the assets recovery firm — 17 years after it was hired to trace alleged foreign assets of dozens of Pakistanis which it failed to find any. The Broadsheet LLC was hired by NAB during Musharraf’s regime to trace hidden assets of 200 Pakistanis, including former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Zardari in foreign countries. NAB terminated its agreement with Broadsheet in 2003. The firm’s claim against Pakistan was worth at least $600 million. On December 17 the London High Court’s Financial Division had issued a Final Third Party Order for payment to NAB’s former client Broadsheet by December 30 bringing to end a case that has cost Pakistani taxpayers billions of rupees. The sources said that around Rs4.5 billion ($26,153,783.34) NAB amount was lying in the UBL, London account, which is operated in the name of Pakistan High Commission in the UK. (With inputs from agencies)

British court orders Pakistan to pay $28.7 million to UK firm

The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued visas to two groups of Indian Hindu&nbsp;yatrees&nbsp;(travellers) to visit Shadani Darbar in Sukkur and Katas Raj Temples, also known as&nbsp;Qila Katas or the complex of Katas Temples,&nbsp;in Chakwal in December 2020.

The travellers will be visiting the temples from December 23 to 29 this year. "Yesterday, a group of 47 Indian Hindu Yatrees has been issued visas. They would visit Shree Katas Raj Temples, also known as Qila Katas or complex of Katas Temples in Chakwal district of Punjab, Pakistan from 23-29 December 2020. The Katas Raj temples surround a sacred pond to Hindu devotees," a statement by the Pakistan High Commission read.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/renowned-activist-karima-baloch-who-once-made-rakhi-appeal-to-brother-pm-modi-found-dead-pakistan-link-suspected-351533" hreflang="en">Renowned activist Karima Baloch who once made Rakhi appeal to brother PM Modi found dead, Pakistan link suspected</a>

Shadani Darbar is a holy place&nbsp;founded in 1786 by Sant Shadaram Sahib.

The visas have been issued a day after another group of Hindu travellers returned from Pakistan after visiting Sukkur, Sindh from December 15 to 21.

"Another group of 44 Indian Hindu Yatrees returned yesterday from Pakistan where they participated in the 312th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahib, at Sukkur, Sindh from 15-21 December 2020," the statement read.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-signs-17-billion-debt-relief-deal-351407" hreflang="en">Pakistan signs $1.7 billion debt relief deal</a>

The Commission also claimed that thousands of Indian Sikh and Hindu pilgrims visit the South Asian country Pakistan under the&nbsp;bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974 to visit the country during several religious festivals.

"The visas issued from New Delhi are in addition to the visas granted to Sikh and Hindu pilgrims participating in these events from other countries," the commission said.

"The issuance of pilgrimage visas to Sikh and Hindu pilgrims is part of the Government of Pakistan’s endeavors to facilitate their visits to religious shrines. Pakistan remains committed to preserving sacred religious places and extending all possible facilitation for the visiting pilgrims of all faiths," it added.

The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued visas to two groups of Indian Hindu yatrees (travellers) to visit Shadani Darbar in Sukkur and Katas Raj Temples, also known as Qila Katas or the complex of Katas Temples, in Chakwal in December 2020.

The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued visas to two groups of Indian Hindu yatrees (travellers) to visit Shadani Darbar in Sukkur and Katas Raj Temples, also known as Qila Katas or the complex of Katas Temples, in Chakwal in December 2020. The travellers will be visiting the temples from December 23 to 29 this year. "Yesterday, a group of 47 Indian Hindu Yatrees has been issued visas. They would visit Shree Katas Raj Temples, also known as Qila Katas or complex of Katas Temples in Chakwal district of Punjab, Pakistan from 23-29 December 2020. The Katas Raj temples surround a sacred pond to Hindu devotees," a statement by the Pakistan High Commission read. Also read| Renowned activist Karima Baloch who once made Rakhi appeal to brother PM Modi found dead, Pakistan link suspected Shadani Darbar is a holy place founded in 1786 by Sant Shadaram Sahib. The visas have been issued a day after another group of Hindu travellers returned from Pakistan after visiting Sukkur, Sindh from December 15 to 21. "Another group of 44 Indian Hindu Yatrees returned yesterday from Pakistan where they participated in the 312th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahib, at Sukkur, Sindh from 15-21 December 2020," the statement read. Also read| Pakistan signs $1.7 billion debt relief deal The Commission also claimed that thousands of Indian Sikh and Hindu pilgrims visit the South Asian country Pakistan under the bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974 to visit the country during several religious festivals. "The visas issued from New Delhi are in addition to the visas granted to Sikh and Hindu pilgrims participating in these events from other countries," the commission said. "The issuance of pilgrimage visas to Sikh and Hindu pilgrims is part of the Government of Pakistan’s endeavors to facilitate their visits to religious shrines. Pakistan remains committed to preserving sacred religious places and extending all possible facilitation for the visiting pilgrims of all faiths," it added.

Pakistan High Commission issues visas to Hindu travellers for temple visits

Intelligence alarm bells have rung after more than 200 youth from Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistani visa have been found missing with authorities fearing that Pakistan has been trying to train them to create trouble in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan&nbsp;high commission since January 2017 has given Pakistani visas to 399 youth from J&amp;K, of which whereabouts of 218 are unknown.

Intel sources told WION, "Pakistan has been targeting the youth from J&amp;K by training, equipping and arming them to carry out terrorist attacks in J&amp;K" on the lines of Pulwama attack of 14th February 2019. While Pakistan has been training youth from the Union territory for terror attacks but later claiming that they are ‘local resistance fighters’.&nbsp;

India had thwarted many incidents in the past few months with terrorists who had infiltrated back going to Pakistan on the visa issued by the mission in Delhi.

Security forces had neutralised five&nbsp;terrorists on April 5. Among the five terrorists eliminated -- three, Adil Hussain Mir, Umar Nazir Khan and Sajjad Ahmed Hurrah were from J&amp;K and had travelled to Pakistan in April 2018 on visa issued by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

India earlier this week had announced that it will reduce the staff strength of Pakistan Hgh commission in New Delhi by 50 per cent&nbsp;since it was "engaged in acts of espionage" and "maintained dealings with terrorist organisations".

In case of apprehension of DSP, J&amp;K Police Devender Singh along with Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists -- Naveed Babu and Asif Ahmad the NIA in its investigation found one assistant at Pakistan high commission Shafaqat was in touch with them and was the main conduit for hawala transactions.

In another case, name of Mudassar Iqbal Cheema, the First Secretary Press at the Pakistani mission came up during NIA investigation in the J&amp;K terror funding case.

Cheema, who was at the mission from September 2015 to November 2016, had given Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali, the main accused in the case Rs 70 lacs in 2 instalments. Watali was the main conduit to send money to Hurriyat leaders from the Pakistani high commission.

Pakistani officials have also been found in espionage activity. On 31st May, 2 Pakistani high commission officials were caught red-handed trying to indulge in espionage activity in the heart of Delhi in Karol Bagh. Both were expelled within 24 hours. WION was the first channel to break that story.

Intelligence alarm bells have rung after more than 200 youth from Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistani visa have been found missing with authorities fearing that Pakistan has been trying to train them to create trouble in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Intelligence alarm bells have rung after more than 200 youth from Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistani visa have been found missing with authorities fearing that Pakistan has been trying to train them to create trouble in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan high commission since January 2017 has given Pakistani visas to 399 youth from J&K, of which whereabouts of 218 are unknown. Intel sources told WION, "Pakistan has been targeting the youth from J&K by training, equipping and arming them to carry out terrorist attacks in J&K" on the lines of Pulwama attack of 14th February 2019. While Pakistan has been training youth from the Union territory for terror attacks but later claiming that they are ‘local resistance fighters’. India had thwarted many incidents in the past few months with terrorists who had infiltrated back going to Pakistan on the visa issued by the mission in Delhi. Security forces had neutralised five terrorists on April 5. Among the five terrorists eliminated -- three, Adil Hussain Mir, Umar Nazir Khan and Sajjad Ahmed Hurrah were from J&K and had travelled to Pakistan in April 2018 on visa issued by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. India earlier this week had announced that it will reduce the staff strength of Pakistan Hgh commission in New Delhi by 50 per cent since it was "engaged in acts of espionage" and "maintained dealings with terrorist organisations". In case of apprehension of DSP, J&K Police Devender Singh along with Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists -- Naveed Babu and Asif Ahmad the NIA in its investigation found one assistant at Pakistan high commission Shafaqat was in touch with them and was the main conduit for hawala transactions. In another case, name of Mudassar Iqbal Cheema, the First Secretary Press at the Pakistani mission came up during NIA investigation in the J&K terror funding case. Cheema, who was at the mission from September 2015 to November 2016, had given Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali, the main accused in the case Rs 70 lacs in 2 instalments. Watali was the main conduit to send money to Hurriyat leaders from the Pakistani high commission. Pakistani officials have also been found in espionage activity. On 31st May, 2 Pakistani high commission officials were caught red-handed trying to indulge in espionage activity in the heart of Delhi in Karol Bagh. Both were expelled within 24 hours. WION was the first channel to break that story.

Over 200 missing youth with Pakistan visa alarm Indian intelligence

India asked Pakistan to cut embassy staffs by half in 7 days. New Delhi plans to reduce staffs in Pak mission by 50 percent.India and Pakistan have 110 people working at their respective missions. Now, the strength will come down to 50

India asks Pak High Commission to reduce staffs in 7 days

Ministry of External Affairs of India said on Tuesday that it would reduce the headcount in Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi by 50%, following what it said was “acts of espionage” by officials there.

WION Dispatch: India to reduce Pakistan High Commission staff strength by 50 per cent

Ministry of External Affairs of India said on Tuesday that it would reduce the headcount in Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi by 50%, following what it said was “acts of espionage” by officials there.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-pak-high-commision-officials-caught-spying-declared-persona-non-grata-by-india-302208">Also read |&nbsp;Two Pak High Commision officials caught spying; declared persona non grata by India</a>

India would cut staff in its own embassy in Islamabad by the same amount, the statement by India’s foreign ministry said. There was no immediate reaction from Pakistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-espionage-case-spies-used-fake-aadhar-card-caught-red-handed-in-karol-bagh-302225">Also read: Pakistan espionage case — Spies used fake Aadhar card, caught red-handed in Karol Bagh</a> 
 
"The Charge d’ Affaires of Pakistan was summoned today to the Ministry of External Affairs and informed that India had repeatedly expressed concern about the activities of officials of his High Commission. They have been engaged in acts of espionage and maintained dealings with terrorist organizations. The activities of the two officials caught red-handed and expelled on 31 May 2020 was one example in that regard," a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said.

"While their officials indulged in actions that are not in conformity with their privileged status in the High Commission, Pakistan has in parallel engaged in a sustained campaign to intimidate the officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad from carrying on their legitimate diplomatic functions. The recent abduction at gunpoint of two Indian officials and their severe ill-treatment underlines the extent to which Pakistan has gone in that direction. These officials who have returned to India on 22 June 2020 have provided graphic details of the barbaric treatment that they experienced at the hands of Pakistani agencies. The behaviour of Pakistan and its officials is not in conformity with the Vienna Convention and bilateral agreements on the treatment of diplomatic and consular officials. On the contrary, it is an intrinsic element of a larger policy of supporting cross-border violence and terrorism," it added.

Earlier on June 1, two visa assistants of the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi have been apprehended by the Delhi Police Special Cell for allegedly indulging in espionage activities.

The government had declared both officials persona non grata for indulging in activities incompatible with their status as members of a diplomatic mission and asked them to leave the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ministry of External Affairs of India said on Tuesday that it would reduce the headcount in Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi by 50%, following what it said was “acts of espionage” by officials there. Also read | Two Pak High Commision officials caught spying; declared persona non grata by India India would cut staff in its own embassy in Islamabad by the same amount, the statement by India’s foreign ministry said. There was no immediate reaction from Pakistan. Also read: Pakistan espionage case — Spies used fake Aadhar card, caught red-handed in Karol Bagh "The Charge d’ Affaires of Pakistan was summoned today to the Ministry of External Affairs and informed that India had repeatedly expressed concern about the activities of officials of his High Commission. They have been engaged in acts of espionage and maintained dealings with terrorist organizations. The activities of the two officials caught red-handed and expelled on 31 May 2020 was one example in that regard," a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said. "While their officials indulged in actions that are not in conformity with their privileged status in the High Commission, Pakistan has in parallel engaged in a sustained campaign to intimidate the officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad from carrying on their legitimate diplomatic functions. The recent abduction at gunpoint of two Indian officials and their severe ill-treatment underlines the extent to which Pakistan has gone in that direction. These officials who have returned to India on 22 June 2020 have provided graphic details of the barbaric treatment that they experienced at the hands of Pakistani agencies. The behaviour of Pakistan and its officials is not in conformity with the Vienna Convention and bilateral agreements on the treatment of diplomatic and consular officials. On the contrary, it is an intrinsic element of a larger policy of supporting cross-border violence and terrorism," it added. Earlier on June 1, two visa assistants of the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi have been apprehended by the Delhi Police Special Cell for allegedly indulging in espionage activities. The government had declared both officials persona non grata for indulging in activities incompatible with their status as members of a diplomatic mission and asked them to leave the country. (With inputs from agencies)

India to reduce Pakistan High Commission staff strength by 50 per cent over 'acts of espionage'

Two officials at Pakistan High Commission in Delhi were caught spying by Indian authorities on Sunday.&nbsp;

Abid Hussain and Tahir Hussain, working in the visa section of the Pakistan High Commission, were nabbed while they were engaged in a unwanted anti-India activity. They used to roam around assuming fake Indian identities.

India has declared them persona non grata and has asked them to leave the country within 24 hours.

Explaining how the two officials were apprehended by "Indian law enforcement authorities for indulging in espionage activities", the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a release said, "The Government has declared both these officials persona non grata for indulging in activities incompatible with their status as members of a diplomatic mission and asked them to leave the country within 24 hours."

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The Pakistani Charge de Affaires was issued a demarche in which India strongly protested "with regard to the activities of these officials" and "asked to ensure that no member of its diplomatic mission should indulge in activities inimical to India or behave in a manner incompatible with their diplomatic status."

The last time such an incident happened was in 2016.

India had then declared one Pakistan High Commission official Mehmood Akhtar as persona non grata after he was apprehended by Indian law enforcement authorities while receiving sensitive documents.

During his interrogation, Akhtar revealed that he belonged to Baloch Regiment of Pakistan Army and joined Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) on deputation. He had been posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi since September 2013.&nbsp;

The Pakistan High Commissioner was then summoned by the Foreign Secretary with India registering a strong protest on the activities of Mehmood Akhtar.&nbsp;

That day itself, in an apparent tit-for-tat, Pakistan declared an Assistant Personnel and Welfare Officer in the Indian High Commission in Islamabad Surjeet Singh as persona non grata.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-espionage-case-spies-used-fake-aadhar-card-caught-red-handed-in-karol-bagh-302225">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan espionage case: Spies used fake Aadhar card, caught red-handed in Karol Bagh</a>

(The story has been updated.)

Two officials at Pakistan High Commission in Delhi were caught spying by Indian authorities on Sunday. Abid Hussain and Tahir Hussain, working in the visa section of the Pakistan High Commission, were nabbed while they were engaged in a unwanted anti-India activity.

Two officials at Pakistan High Commission in Delhi were caught spying by Indian authorities on Sunday. Abid Hussain and Tahir Hussain, working in the visa section of the Pakistan High Commission, were nabbed while they were engaged in a unwanted anti-India activity. They used to roam around assuming fake Indian identities. India has declared them persona non grata and has asked them to leave the country within 24 hours. Explaining how the two officials were apprehended by "Indian law enforcement authorities for indulging in espionage activities", the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a release said, "The Government has declared both these officials persona non grata for indulging in activities incompatible with their status as members of a diplomatic mission and asked them to leave the country within 24 hours." The Pakistani Charge de Affaires was issued a demarche in which India strongly protested "with regard to the activities of these officials" and "asked to ensure that no member of its diplomatic mission should indulge in activities inimical to India or behave in a manner incompatible with their diplomatic status." The last time such an incident happened was in 2016. India had then declared one Pakistan High Commission official Mehmood Akhtar as persona non grata after he was apprehended by Indian law enforcement authorities while receiving sensitive documents. During his interrogation, Akhtar revealed that he belonged to Baloch Regiment of Pakistan Army and joined Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) on deputation. He had been posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi since September 2013. The Pakistan High Commissioner was then summoned by the Foreign Secretary with India registering a strong protest on the activities of Mehmood Akhtar. That day itself, in an apparent tit-for-tat, Pakistan declared an Assistant Personnel and Welfare Officer in the Indian High Commission in Islamabad Surjeet Singh as persona non grata. Also read | Pakistan espionage case: Spies used fake Aadhar card, caught red-handed in Karol Bagh (The story has been updated.)

Two Pak High Commision officials caught spying; declared persona non grata by India

India has summoned a senior official of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scuffle-breaks-out-between-bajrang-dal-and-security-forces-near-pakistan-high-commission-272718">Pakistan High Commission</a> and lodged a strong protest over the recent cases of abduction of minor girls from the minority Hindu community in Pakistan, and urged for the safe return of them to their families, government sources said. 
 
The development comes after incidents of kidnapping of minor girls from the Hindu community came to light in Pakistan earlier this month. 
 
Two minor girls, Shanti Meghwad and Sarmi Meghwad, belonging to the minority Hindu community were abducted on January 14. They belong to Umar Village in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-facing-a-locust-crisis-more-than-40-crops-under-risk-263563">Tharparkar</a> of Sindh province. 
 
In another incident, a minor girl, Mehak, also belonging to the minority Hindu community, was abducted from Jacobabad district of Sindh province on January 15. 
 
"Pakistan has been conveyed the grave concerns as expressed amongst various quarters of the Indian civil society at such a shocking and deplorable incident involving minor girls from the minority Hindu community in Pakistan. The incidents have been strongly condemned and asked for the immediate safe return of the girls to their families," government sources said. 
 
India has time and again lodged several protests over the abduction and forced marriage of women from the Hindu community in the neighboring country. 
 
Recently, an angry group of local residents pelted stones at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-chishti-the-man-who-incited-nankana-sahib-gurdwara-violence-arrested-272549">Gurdwara Nankana Sahib</a> in Pakistan on January 3. The group was led by the family of a boy who had allegedly abducted Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur, daughter of gurdwara's panthi, last year. 
 
India had strongly condemned the "wanton acts of destruction and desecration" at Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, and called upon Pakistan to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and welfare of the members of the Sikh community. 
 
Days later, the body of Sikh youth, identified as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/india-condemns-sikh-youth-murder-stone-pelting-at-gurudwara-in-pakistan-272349">Ravinder Singh</a>, was found in the Chamkani police station area of Peshawar. The deceased was the brother of an Islamabad-based journalist, Harmeet Singh. 
 
India had also shared strong concerns raised by members of civil society, parliamentarians, and others at the "continued persecution of religious and ethnic minorities" in Pakistan.

India has summoned a senior official of the Pakistan High Commission and lodged a strong protest over the recent cases of abduction of minor girls from the minority Hindu community in Pakistan, and urged for the safe return of them to their families, government sources said.

India has summoned a senior official of the Pakistan High Commission and lodged a strong protest over the recent cases of abduction of minor girls from the minority Hindu community in Pakistan, and urged for the safe return of them to their families, government sources said. The development comes after incidents of kidnapping of minor girls from the Hindu community came to light in Pakistan earlier this month. Two minor girls, Shanti Meghwad and Sarmi Meghwad, belonging to the minority Hindu community were abducted on January 14. They belong to Umar Village in Tharparkar of Sindh province. In another incident, a minor girl, Mehak, also belonging to the minority Hindu community, was abducted from Jacobabad district of Sindh province on January 15. "Pakistan has been conveyed the grave concerns as expressed amongst various quarters of the Indian civil society at such a shocking and deplorable incident involving minor girls from the minority Hindu community in Pakistan. The incidents have been strongly condemned and asked for the immediate safe return of the girls to their families," government sources said. India has time and again lodged several protests over the abduction and forced marriage of women from the Hindu community in the neighboring country. Recently, an angry group of local residents pelted stones at Gurdwara Nankana Sahib in Pakistan on January 3. The group was led by the family of a boy who had allegedly abducted Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur, daughter of gurdwara's panthi, last year. India had strongly condemned the "wanton acts of destruction and desecration" at Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, and called upon Pakistan to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and welfare of the members of the Sikh community. Days later, the body of Sikh youth, identified as Ravinder Singh, was found in the Chamkani police station area of Peshawar. The deceased was the brother of an Islamabad-based journalist, Harmeet Singh. India had also shared strong concerns raised by members of civil society, parliamentarians, and others at the "continued persecution of religious and ethnic minorities" in Pakistan.

India calls Pak official, lodges strong protest over abduction of Hindu girls

A scuffle broke out between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nitish-kumar-disapproves-girirajs-meeting-bajrang-dal-activists-bjp-differs--150294">Bajrang Dal</a>, Durga Vahini workers, and security forces near <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-set-to-amend-army-act-for-kulbhushan-jadhav-to-appeal-261785">Pakistan High Commission</a> during a protest against mob attack on Nankana Sahib Gurdwara on January 3.

Police detained the protesters after the incident took place.

A group of local residents had pelted stones at the holy Sikh shrine in Pakistan on January 3. The group was led by the family of a boy who had abducted a Sikh girl, Jagjit Kaur, from her home in August last year.

India had strongly condemned the vandalism at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-chishti-the-man-who-incited-nankana-sahib-gurdwara-violence-arrested-272549">Gurdwara Nankana Sahib</a> and called upon the Pakistan government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of the Sikh community in the neighbouring country.

A scuffle broke out between Bajrang Dal, Durga Vahini workers, and security forces near Pakistan High Commission during a protest against mob attack on Nankana Sahib Gurdwara on January 3.

A scuffle broke out between Bajrang Dal, Durga Vahini workers, and security forces near Pakistan High Commission during a protest against mob attack on Nankana Sahib Gurdwara on January 3. Police detained the protesters after the incident took place. A group of local residents had pelted stones at the holy Sikh shrine in Pakistan on January 3. The group was led by the family of a boy who had abducted a Sikh girl, Jagjit Kaur, from her home in August last year. India had strongly condemned the vandalism at the Gurdwara Nankana Sahib and called upon the Pakistan government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of the Sikh community in the neighbouring country.

Scuffle breaks out between Bajrang Dal and security forces near Pakistan High Commission

Supporters of Pakistan's military dictator, Gen (retd) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pervez-musharraf-case-a-new-dawn-in-pakistan-269126">Pervez Musharraf</a>, who was sentenced to death last week, held a protest in the British capital on Sunday alleging that the former president has been treated unfairly.

Activists of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) gathered outside the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-summons-pakistan-high-commission-official-over-killing-of-civilian-in-cfv-190815">Pakistan High Commission </a>to "demand justice for Pervez Musharraf" and to register condemnation of the "politically motivated" cases against their leader. They said that Musharraf does not deserve the death sentence after being tried under Article 6 of the Constitution of Pakistan for high treason, Geo News reported.

The demonstrators raised slogans in Musharraf's support and said that he had brought a lot of development to Pakistan and under him, Pakistan earned respect in the world.

Calling the Islamabad Special Court's verdict as 'unfair,' the protestors further claimed that Musharraf's years in power were a "golden era" for Pakistan and he had dealt effectively with terrorism.

President APML Overseas, Afzal Siddiqui, who led the protest, was quoted as saying that the party condemned paragraph 66 of the detailed verdict which contained remarks that Musharraf's body should be dragged and hanged at D-Chowk for three days.

He added that the former leader was not given a fair trial and the way the trial was initiated and conducted showed that it was always been an exercise of "revenge".

He criticised former chief justice, Iftikhar Chaudhry, for instructing the government to try Musharraf under Article 6. He said that it became clear when a Supreme Court judge openly mocked the former president.

"The political, fabricated and fraudulent nature of the case may also be gauged from the fact that it was hastily concluded without hearing the former president, sentencing him in absentia, restricting the latter from presenting evidence and by aggressively dismissing the noble efforts of the law minister and the attorney general for remedying earlier serious politicised legal shortcomings. The new prosecution team was not even granted the time to study the case," he said.

A petition given to the authorities at Pakistan High Commission by the protestors said that holding the constitution in abeyance was not an offence according to the Pakistani constitution in 2007. Only later in 2010 through the 18th amendment, the text of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pervez-musharraf-case-a-new-dawn-in-pakistan-269126">Article 6</a> was modified to make abeyance of the constitution an offence.

"We ask to declare null and void this bizarre special court judgment and reject all malicious attempts to label Musharraf a 'traitor'. The honourable Musharraf has fought wars for Pakistan and was the beloved chief of Pakistan Army. His tenure witnessed unprecedented growth of the Pakistani economy and led to the betterment of the Pakistani people. Musharraf can never be a traitor," the petition read.

Supporters of Pakistan's military dictator, Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf, who was sentenced to death last week, held a protest in the British capital on Sunday alleging that the former president has been treated unfairly.

Supporters of Pakistan's military dictator, Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf, who was sentenced to death last week, held a protest in the British capital on Sunday alleging that the former president has been treated unfairly. Activists of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) gathered outside the Pakistan High Commission to "demand justice for Pervez Musharraf" and to register condemnation of the "politically motivated" cases against their leader. They said that Musharraf does not deserve the death sentence after being tried under Article 6 of the Constitution of Pakistan for high treason, Geo News reported. The demonstrators raised slogans in Musharraf's support and said that he had brought a lot of development to Pakistan and under him, Pakistan earned respect in the world. Calling the Islamabad Special Court's verdict as 'unfair,' the protestors further claimed that Musharraf's years in power were a "golden era" for Pakistan and he had dealt effectively with terrorism. President APML Overseas, Afzal Siddiqui, who led the protest, was quoted as saying that the party condemned paragraph 66 of the detailed verdict which contained remarks that Musharraf's body should be dragged and hanged at D-Chowk for three days. He added that the former leader was not given a fair trial and the way the trial was initiated and conducted showed that it was always been an exercise of "revenge". He criticised former chief justice, Iftikhar Chaudhry, for instructing the government to try Musharraf under Article 6. He said that it became clear when a Supreme Court judge openly mocked the former president. "The political, fabricated and fraudulent nature of the case may also be gauged from the fact that it was hastily concluded without hearing the former president, sentencing him in absentia, restricting the latter from presenting evidence and by aggressively dismissing the noble efforts of the law minister and the attorney general for remedying earlier serious politicised legal shortcomings. The new prosecution team was not even granted the time to study the case," he said. A petition given to the authorities at Pakistan High Commission by the protestors said that holding the constitution in abeyance was not an offence according to the Pakistani constitution in 2007. Only later in 2010 through the 18th amendment, the text of Article 6 was modified to make abeyance of the constitution an offence. "We ask to declare null and void this bizarre special court judgment and reject all malicious attempts to label Musharraf a 'traitor'. The honourable Musharraf has fought wars for Pakistan and was the beloved chief of Pakistan Army. His tenure witnessed unprecedented growth of the Pakistani economy and led to the betterment of the Pakistani people. Musharraf can never be a traitor," the petition read.

Musharraf's supporters hold 'justice' protest in London

A special 'jatha' of around 500 Sikh pilgrims crossed over to Pakistan for Nankana Sahib on Tuesday to begin celebrations of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev from his birthplace on August 1.

The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued visas to the pilgrims who are partaking in the special 'jatha'.

"These visas have been granted over and above the issuance of thousands of visas every year under the framework of Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974," the high commission said in a statement.

"Government of Pakistan also believes in the policy of promoting visits to religious shrines and people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and India," it said.

On July 14, India and Pakistan had held the second round of bilateral talks to narrow down their differences on the corridor for travel of Sikh pilgrims from Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in Punjab to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan.

Both sides said that they had agreed to a majority of modalities for the smooth passage of the pilgrims.

Once opened, the three-kilometres corridor will allow Sikh pilgrims direct access to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev passed away in 1539.

The route is expected to be completed by September-end.&nbsp;

A special 'jatha' of around 500 Sikh pilgrims crossed over to Pakistan for Nankana Sahib on Tuesday to begin celebrations of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev from his birthplace on August 1.

A special 'jatha' of around 500 Sikh pilgrims crossed over to Pakistan for Nankana Sahib on Tuesday to begin celebrations of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev from his birthplace on August 1. The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued visas to the pilgrims who are partaking in the special 'jatha'. "These visas have been granted over and above the issuance of thousands of visas every year under the framework of Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974," the high commission said in a statement. "Government of Pakistan also believes in the policy of promoting visits to religious shrines and people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and India," it said. On July 14, India and Pakistan had held the second round of bilateral talks to narrow down their differences on the corridor for travel of Sikh pilgrims from Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in Punjab to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan. Both sides said that they had agreed to a majority of modalities for the smooth passage of the pilgrims. Once opened, the three-kilometres corridor will allow Sikh pilgrims direct access to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev passed away in 1539. The route is expected to be completed by September-end.

500 Sikh pilgrims cross Pakistan for Guru Nanak Dev's 550th birth celebrations

New Delhi on Friday summoned Pakistan's High commissioner Sohail Mehmood and lodged a strong protest against the Pulwama attacked that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on Thursday. Pakistan based <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-calls-on-pakistan-to-immediately-end-support-to-all-terrorist-groups-white-house-197523">terrorist group</a> <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jem-has-been-included-in-security-council-counter-terrorism-list-we-have-dealt-with-masood-azhar-issue-professionally-china-197566">Jaish-e-Mohammad</a> (JEM) had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale summoned Pakistan High Commissioner today afternoon and issued a "very strong demarche" in connection to the Pulwama terror attack.

Sources tell WION that India conveyed that Pakistan must take "immediate and verifiable action" against the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/adil-ahmad-dar-the-man-who-carried-out-the-pulwama-attack-197476">JEM</a>. New Delhi asked Islamabad that "it must immediately stop any groups or individuals associated with terrorism operating from its territories".&nbsp;

India also rejected the statement made by the Pak foreign ministry on Thursday. Pakistan had said it, "strongly rejects any insinuation by elements in the Indian government and media circles that seek to link the attack to the State of Pakistan without investigations".

Islamabad had even made flip-flops while issuing the release by first issuing it, later withdrawing it to issue another one with minor changes.

This is the second time this year when the Pak envoy has been summoned. He was summoned in January after Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi had made a phone call to pro-Pakistan Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

In all, as many as 7 times a Pakistan High Commissioner has been summoned under the Modi-government since 2014.

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A suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group had rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus in Pulwama district&nbsp;on Thursday evening killing around 40 personnel and leaving many critically wounded.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly&nbsp;condemned&nbsp;the incident today and held a meeting with top members of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

PM Modi said all Indians are angry right now after the terror attack at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday evening.

"I pay tribute to soldiers who lost their lives at Pulwama. Our security forces have been given full freedom. We have full faith in their bravery," PM Modi said.

"I understand sentiments of those criticising us but I want to urge them, it is an emotional time, stay away from political one-upmanship,"&nbsp;the prime minister insisted.

In the CCS meeting, India decided to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-mfn-status-to-pakistan-what-it-means-how-it-impacts-trade-197569">withdraw Most Favoured Nation(MFN)</a>&nbsp;status to Pakistan.

New Delhi on Friday summoned Pakistan's High commissioner Sohail Mehmood and lodged a strong protest against the Pulwama attacked that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on Thursday.

New Delhi on Friday summoned Pakistan's High commissioner Sohail Mehmood and lodged a strong protest against the Pulwama attacked that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on Thursday. Pakistan based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JEM) had claimed responsibility for the attack. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale summoned Pakistan High Commissioner today afternoon and issued a "very strong demarche" in connection to the Pulwama terror attack. Sources tell WION that India conveyed that Pakistan must take "immediate and verifiable action" against the JEM. New Delhi asked Islamabad that "it must immediately stop any groups or individuals associated with terrorism operating from its territories". India also rejected the statement made by the Pak foreign ministry on Thursday. Pakistan had said it, "strongly rejects any insinuation by elements in the Indian government and media circles that seek to link the attack to the State of Pakistan without investigations". Islamabad had even made flip-flops while issuing the release by first issuing it, later withdrawing it to issue another one with minor changes. This is the second time this year when the Pak envoy has been summoned. He was summoned in January after Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi had made a phone call to pro-Pakistan Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. In all, as many as 7 times a Pakistan High Commissioner has been summoned under the Modi-government since 2014. Sources: Foreign Secretary summoned the Pakistan High Commissioner to the Ministry of External Affairs today and issued a very strong demarche in connection with the terrorist attack in Pulwama https://t.co/aQnu5zIHNL — ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2019 × A suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group had rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus in Pulwama district on Thursday evening killing around 40 personnel and leaving many critically wounded. Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the incident today and held a meeting with top members of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). PM Modi said all Indians are angry right now after the terror attack at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday evening. "I pay tribute to soldiers who lost their lives at Pulwama. Our security forces have been given full freedom. We have full faith in their bravery," PM Modi said. "I understand sentiments of those criticising us but I want to urge them, it is an emotional time, stay away from political one-upmanship," the prime minister insisted. In the CCS meeting, India decided to withdraw Most Favoured Nation(MFN) status to Pakistan.

Pulwama terror attack: India summons Pakistan High Commissioner, lodges strong protest

The ministry of external affairs on Wednesday summoned Pakistan High Commission official and lodged a strong protest to the death of an innocent civilian in unprovoked ceasefire violation (CFV) by Pakistan forces on 11 January 2019 in Sunderbani Sector.

The individual named Hemraj was shot by Pakistani forces from across the line of control (LoC) and later succumbed to wounds.

The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "Our strong concerns were also shared at continued unprovoked firing and ceasefire violations across the Line of Control and the International Boundary."

It further added, "We also protested Pakistan’s continued support to cross border terrorist infiltration into India, including supporting cover fire provided by Pakistan forces."

On the same day itself, an Improvised Explosive Device explosion took place near LoC in Naushera Sector in which an Army Officer and a soldier died.

In 2018, 28 civilians died due to ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces, maximum in the last 4 years.

The ministry of external affairs on Wednesday summoned Pakistan High Commission official and lodged a strong protest to the death of an innocent civilian in unprovoked ceasefire violation (CFV) by Pakistan forces on 11 January 2019 in Sunderbani Sector.

The ministry of external affairs on Wednesday summoned Pakistan High Commission official and lodged a strong protest to the death of an innocent civilian in unprovoked ceasefire violation (CFV) by Pakistan forces on 11 January 2019 in Sunderbani Sector. The individual named Hemraj was shot by Pakistani forces from across the line of control (LoC) and later succumbed to wounds. The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "Our strong concerns were also shared at continued unprovoked firing and ceasefire violations across the Line of Control and the International Boundary." It further added, "We also protested Pakistan’s continued support to cross border terrorist infiltration into India, including supporting cover fire provided by Pakistan forces." On the same day itself, an Improvised Explosive Device explosion took place near LoC in Naushera Sector in which an Army Officer and a soldier died. In 2018, 28 civilians died due to ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces, maximum in the last 4 years.

India summons Pakistan High Commission official over killing of civilian

The harassment of Indian diplomats continues unabated this year as well. The latest incident is an attempt to hack the social media accounts of Indian High Commission diplomats posted in Islamabad. In one such incident, attempts were made to hack the social media account of a second secretary in Islamabad. Fake profile similar to that of the diplomat's relatives was created to hack the account.

In another incident, a second secretary stationed at the Indian mission received an email from Facebook notifying repeated attempts made to log into his Facebook account.

India sent a note verbale regarding the issue to Pakistan's foreign office on January 10 saying, "such incidents of aggressive surveillance, violation of privacy and harassment amount to a breach of the understanding reached between Pakistan foreign secretary and the High Commissioner of India on 27th March 2018."

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Sources:High Commission of India in Pakistan writes to Pak govt over attempts made to hack social media accounts of senior Indian diplomats.High commissioner&amp; Dy high commissioner being closely followed&amp;aggressively watched by a Pak security official during a wedding in Islamabad <a href="https://t.co/UqR7Fs0evQ">pic.twitter.com/UqR7Fs0evQ</a>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-diplomats-harassed-after-being-questioned-on-road-now-electricity-cut-for-4-hours-in-peak-winter-187521">Indian diplomats in Islamabad have been facing harassment</a> since the end of 2018. On December 4, 2018, the Indian High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner were closely followed and aggressively watched by Pakistani security officials during a wedding reception at Serena Hotel, Islamabad.&nbsp;

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
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			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>A Timeline of Harassment</td>
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			<td>Dec 4</td>
			<td>Indian HC, Deputy aggressively kept watch on</td>
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			<td>Dec 10</td>
			<td>Someone tries to barge into diplomat's house</td>
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			<td>Dec 21&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Diplomats questioned on road in Peshawar</td>
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			<td>Dec 25</td>
			<td>Electricity cut to diplomat's house&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

&nbsp;

On December 10, someone tried to barge into the house of an Indian diplomat. On December 21, the Indian High Commission team was questioned on a road in Peshawar. On Christmas, the electricity was cut to the house of an Indian diplomat.&nbsp;

WION was the first to report the harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan. Earlier in 2018, Indian and Pakistani diplomats in Islamabad and New Delhi had reported incidents of harassment and an understanding was reached in March 2018 to avoid such occurrences with both sides coming out with an official statement.&nbsp;

The functioning of the diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct, 1992.

The 1992 code of conduct clearly says the safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected and any intrusive and aggressive surveillance shall not be allowed.

The harassment of Indian diplomats continues unabated this year as well. The latest incident is an attempt to hack the social media accounts of Indian High Commission diplomats posted in Islamabad.

The harassment of Indian diplomats continues unabated this year as well. The latest incident is an attempt to hack the social media accounts of Indian High Commission diplomats posted in Islamabad. In one such incident, attempts were made to hack the social media account of a second secretary in Islamabad. Fake profile similar to that of the diplomat's relatives was created to hack the account. In another incident, a second secretary stationed at the Indian mission received an email from Facebook notifying repeated attempts made to log into his Facebook account. India sent a note verbale regarding the issue to Pakistan's foreign office on January 10 saying, "such incidents of aggressive surveillance, violation of privacy and harassment amount to a breach of the understanding reached between Pakistan foreign secretary and the High Commissioner of India on 27th March 2018." Sources:High Commission of India in Pakistan writes to Pak govt over attempts made to hack social media accounts of senior Indian diplomats.High commissioner& Dy high commissioner being closely followed&aggressively watched by a Pak security official during a wedding in Islamabad pic.twitter.com/UqR7Fs0evQ — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2019 × Indian diplomats in Islamabad have been facing harassment since the end of 2018. On December 4, 2018, the Indian High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner were closely followed and aggressively watched by Pakistani security officials during a wedding reception at Serena Hotel, Islamabad. A Timeline of Harassment Dec 4 Indian HC, Deputy aggressively kept watch on Dec 10 Someone tries to barge into diplomat's house Dec 21 Diplomats questioned on road in Peshawar Dec 25 Electricity cut to diplomat's house On December 10, someone tried to barge into the house of an Indian diplomat. On December 21, the Indian High Commission team was questioned on a road in Peshawar. On Christmas, the electricity was cut to the house of an Indian diplomat. WION was the first to report the harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan. Earlier in 2018, Indian and Pakistani diplomats in Islamabad and New Delhi had reported incidents of harassment and an understanding was reached in March 2018 to avoid such occurrences with both sides coming out with an official statement. The functioning of the diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct, 1992. The 1992 code of conduct clearly says the safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected and any intrusive and aggressive surveillance shall not be allowed.

Attempts made to hack diplomats' social media accounts, India takes up matter with Pak

A Pakistan High Commission official got involved in an altercation with an Indian woman at a&nbsp;market in Delhi. The lady complained against him to the&nbsp;police. The official was finally let off at the police station after he apologised to the lady.&nbsp;

As per the Indian government sources, there was no arrest.&nbsp;Pak&nbsp;government sources, on the other hand, claim&nbsp;that the officer was arrested.

Pak government sources told WION in Islamabad that the official was arrested and the government strongly protests this violation of the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations and reserves the right to respond.

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.

A Pakistan High Commission official got involved in an altercation with an Indian woman at a market in Delhi. The lady complained against him to the police. The official was finally let off at the police station after he apologised to the lady.

A Pakistan High Commission official got involved in an altercation with an Indian woman at a market in Delhi. The lady complained against him to the police. The official was finally let off at the police station after he apologised to the lady. As per the Indian government sources, there was no arrest. Pak government sources, on the other hand, claim that the officer was arrested. Pak government sources told WION in Islamabad that the official was arrested and the government strongly protests this violation of the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations and reserves the right to respond. 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.

Pak official gets into altercation with Delhi woman, let off after apology

India has officially confirmed that Pakistani High Commission has "misplaced" passports of 23 Indian pilgrims.&nbsp;

India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in a written statement in the parliament while confirming the development said, "The Ministry of External Affairs has received information that a total of twenty-three (23) passports have been misplaced by the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi."

To prevent misuse of these misplaced passports, all the passports have been declared as ‘lost’ in the passport database. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has instructed all the Passport issuing authorities to ensure that if these applicants apply for reissue of passports "caution may be exercised'' while processing their passport applications.

The incident happened in November of 2018 and was 1st reported in December. Pakistan high commission had issued 3800 visas to Sikh pilgrims in India to participate in the 549th birth anniversary celebration of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Pakistan from 21 to 30 November 2018.

The development comes even as India and Pakistan announced the building of Kartarpur corridor in 2018. Pakistani Draft proposal as seen by WION says Islamabad will be issuing a permit, 500 per day to pilgrims and India has to hand over the list 3 days ahead of the visit.

India has officially confirmed that Pakistani High Commission has "misplaced" passports of 23 Indian pilgrims. India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in a written statement in the parliament while confirming the development said, "The Ministry of External Affairs has received information that a total of twenty-three (23) passports have been misplaced by the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi.

India has officially confirmed that Pakistani High Commission has "misplaced" passports of 23 Indian pilgrims. India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in a written statement in the parliament while confirming the development said, "The Ministry of External Affairs has received information that a total of twenty-three (23) passports have been misplaced by the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi." To prevent misuse of these misplaced passports, all the passports have been declared as ‘lost’ in the passport database. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has instructed all the Passport issuing authorities to ensure that if these applicants apply for reissue of passports "caution may be exercised'' while processing their passport applications. The incident happened in November of 2018 and was 1st reported in December. Pakistan high commission had issued 3800 visas to Sikh pilgrims in India to participate in the 549th birth anniversary celebration of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Pakistan from 21 to 30 November 2018. The development comes even as India and Pakistan announced the building of Kartarpur corridor in 2018. Pakistani Draft proposal as seen by WION says Islamabad will be issuing a permit, 500 per day to pilgrims and India has to hand over the list 3 days ahead of the visit.

Pakistan High Commission has misplaced 23 Indian passports: Sushma Swaraj

India on Wednesday summoned a Pakistan High Commission official lodged a strong protest at the incidents of cross LoC terrorist infiltration and targeting of Indian civilians and security forces on 21 and 26 December 2018.

The release issued by Ministry of External Affairs said that New Delhi conveyed its "Grave Concern" at Pakistan’s continued support to cross-border terrorist infiltration into India, including "supporting cover fire provided by Pakistan forces."

The release added that "this year, despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the ceasefire understanding of 2003 for maintaining peace and tranquillity" Pakistan forces have "carried out over 1962 incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations in which 50 Indians have lost their lives."

New Delhi asked Pakistan to fulfil "its bilateral commitment to not allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India in any manner."

The Pakistani Army on Wednesday initiated unprovoked firing in Naoshera Sector resulting in fatal casualty of one civilian Bodhraj aged about 55 years, a resident of Deeing in Naoshera Tehsil.&nbsp;

On 21st, 2 Indian army soldiers died during unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Keran sector of Kupwara district. Late Subedar Gamar Bahadur Thapa and Subedar Raman Thapa sustained bullet injuries and later succumbed to the injury.&nbsp;

42-year-old Subedar Gamar Bahadur Thapa had joined the Army in 1993 and hailed from Karhiya Village in Rependehi district of Nepal. He is survived by his wife and two sons. 39-year-old Subedar Raman Thapa, 39 years of age, had joined the Army in 1996 and hailed from Tulsipur Village in Rependehi district of Nepal. He is survived by his wife and a son.

The development comes even as Indian diplomats have reported harassment by Pakistani agencies in the neighbouring country. According to the govt 15 army personnel, 12 BSF Personnel and 28 civilians have died in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in 2018.

India on Wednesday summoned a Pakistan High Commission official lodged a strong protest at the incidents of cross LoC terrorist infiltration and targeting of Indian civilians and security forces on 21 and 26 December 2018.

India on Wednesday summoned a Pakistan High Commission official lodged a strong protest at the incidents of cross LoC terrorist infiltration and targeting of Indian civilians and security forces on 21 and 26 December 2018. The release issued by Ministry of External Affairs said that New Delhi conveyed its "Grave Concern" at Pakistan’s continued support to cross-border terrorist infiltration into India, including "supporting cover fire provided by Pakistan forces." The release added that "this year, despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the ceasefire understanding of 2003 for maintaining peace and tranquillity" Pakistan forces have "carried out over 1962 incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations in which 50 Indians have lost their lives." New Delhi asked Pakistan to fulfil "its bilateral commitment to not allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India in any manner." The Pakistani Army on Wednesday initiated unprovoked firing in Naoshera Sector resulting in fatal casualty of one civilian Bodhraj aged about 55 years, a resident of Deeing in Naoshera Tehsil. On 21st, 2 Indian army soldiers died during unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Keran sector of Kupwara district. Late Subedar Gamar Bahadur Thapa and Subedar Raman Thapa sustained bullet injuries and later succumbed to the injury. 42-year-old Subedar Gamar Bahadur Thapa had joined the Army in 1993 and hailed from Karhiya Village in Rependehi district of Nepal. He is survived by his wife and two sons. 39-year-old Subedar Raman Thapa, 39 years of age, had joined the Army in 1996 and hailed from Tulsipur Village in Rependehi district of Nepal. He is survived by his wife and a son. The development comes even as Indian diplomats have reported harassment by Pakistani agencies in the neighbouring country. According to the govt 15 army personnel, 12 BSF Personnel and 28 civilians have died in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in 2018.

India summons Pakistan high commission official over incidents of killing of civilians and security forces

The Pakistan High Commission Sunday said it has issued visas to 139 Indian pilgrims to visit Katas Raj Dham, the famous Shiva temple, in the country's Punjab province.

Under the framework of a bilateral protocol on visits to religious shrines, Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India visit Pakistan every year. Pakistani pilgrims also visit India every year under the protocol.

"Another group of Indian pilgrims, comprising 139 people, have been issued visas by the Pakistan High Commission to visit Shree Katas Raj Dham in Chakwal district from December 9-15," the Pakistan High Commission said.

Last month, Pakistan had granted visas to more than 3,800 Sikh pilgrims to visit the country. Some of the pilgrims had attended the ground-breaking ceremony of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/paks-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-today-179871">Kartarpur corridor on November 28</a> in Narowal.

The corridor will link the Darbar Sahib shrine in Kartarpur in Pakistan's Punjab province to Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district in India.

Earlier this month, over 220 Indian pilgrims were granted visas to visit the famous Hindu temple, Shadani Darbar, in Sukkur.

Katas Raj is one of the holiest places for the Hindu community in Pakistan. The temples form a complex surrounding a pond named Katas which is regarded as sacred by the devotees.

Pakistan's High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood stated that the issuance of visas for yet another group of pilgrims from India was consistent with Government's of Pakistan's policy of promoting visits to religious shrines and was a reflection of its commitment to faithfully implement the 1974 Protocol, the High Commission said in a release.

He said that Pakistan remained committed to providing all possible facilitation for the visiting pilgrims and strengthening people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.&nbsp;

The Pakistan High Commission Sunday said it has issued visas to 139 Indian pilgrims to visit Katas Raj Dham, the famous Shiva temple, in the country's Punjab province.

The Pakistan High Commission Sunday said it has issued visas to 139 Indian pilgrims to visit Katas Raj Dham, the famous Shiva temple, in the country's Punjab province. Under the framework of a bilateral protocol on visits to religious shrines, Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India visit Pakistan every year. Pakistani pilgrims also visit India every year under the protocol. "Another group of Indian pilgrims, comprising 139 people, have been issued visas by the Pakistan High Commission to visit Shree Katas Raj Dham in Chakwal district from December 9-15," the Pakistan High Commission said. Last month, Pakistan had granted visas to more than 3,800 Sikh pilgrims to visit the country. Some of the pilgrims had attended the ground-breaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor on November 28 in Narowal. The corridor will link the Darbar Sahib shrine in Kartarpur in Pakistan's Punjab province to Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district in India. Earlier this month, over 220 Indian pilgrims were granted visas to visit the famous Hindu temple, Shadani Darbar, in Sukkur. Katas Raj is one of the holiest places for the Hindu community in Pakistan. The temples form a complex surrounding a pond named Katas which is regarded as sacred by the devotees. Pakistan's High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood stated that the issuance of visas for yet another group of pilgrims from India was consistent with Government's of Pakistan's policy of promoting visits to religious shrines and was a reflection of its commitment to faithfully implement the 1974 Protocol, the High Commission said in a release. He said that Pakistan remained committed to providing all possible facilitation for the visiting pilgrims and strengthening people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Pakistan issues visas to 139 Indian pilgrims to visit Katas Raj dham

The Ministry of External Affairs summoned a senior official of the Pakistan High Commission in the national capital and a demarche was made lodging strong protest at the fatal casualties of Indian soldiers during an attempted cross-border infiltration by Pakistani terrorists in Sunderbani sector of Jammu and Kashmir on October 21.

Five to six Pakistani armed intruders tried to cross the Line of Control (LoC) and fired on an Indian Army patrol in the Sunderbani sector of Jammu region.

Three Indian Army soldiers were killed and one suffered injuries in the unprovoked cross-border action by Pakistan. Two intruders were also killed by the Indian armed forces.

The Pakistani side was informed that two of their armed intruders have been killed by the Indian security forces during the ensuing firefight and the Government of Pakistan should take custody of the dead bodies of its nationals, the MEA statement said.

"(The) Ministry condemned in the strongest terms such provocative action by Pakistan, which reveals their complicity in aiding and abetting terrorism and exposes the hollowness of Pakistan`s deceitful claims to promote constructive engagement and desire for peace," the statement added.

"Our grave concern at the continuing incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Pakistan forces along the LoC and the International Border (IB) was also shared," it said.

Despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the ceasefire understanding of 2003 for maintaining peace and tranquility, Pakistani forces have carried out 1591 incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations along the LoC and IB in 2018 so far.

The MEA said that Pakistan was called on to "abide by its bilateral commitment not to allow any territory under its control to be used to support terrorism against India in any manner".&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs summoned a senior official of the Pakistan High Commission in the national capital and a demarche was made lodging strong protest at the fatal casualties of Indian soldiers during an attempted cross-border infiltration by Pakistani terrorists in Sunderbani sector of Jammu and Kashmir on October 21.

The Ministry of External Affairs summoned a senior official of the Pakistan High Commission in the national capital and a demarche was made lodging strong protest at the fatal casualties of Indian soldiers during an attempted cross-border infiltration by Pakistani terrorists in Sunderbani sector of Jammu and Kashmir on October 21. Five to six Pakistani armed intruders tried to cross the Line of Control (LoC) and fired on an Indian Army patrol in the Sunderbani sector of Jammu region. Three Indian Army soldiers were killed and one suffered injuries in the unprovoked cross-border action by Pakistan. Two intruders were also killed by the Indian armed forces. The Pakistani side was informed that two of their armed intruders have been killed by the Indian security forces during the ensuing firefight and the Government of Pakistan should take custody of the dead bodies of its nationals, the MEA statement said. "(The) Ministry condemned in the strongest terms such provocative action by Pakistan, which reveals their complicity in aiding and abetting terrorism and exposes the hollowness of Pakistan`s deceitful claims to promote constructive engagement and desire for peace," the statement added. "Our grave concern at the continuing incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Pakistan forces along the LoC and the International Border (IB) was also shared," it said. Despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the ceasefire understanding of 2003 for maintaining peace and tranquility, Pakistani forces have carried out 1591 incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations along the LoC and IB in 2018 so far. The MEA said that Pakistan was called on to "abide by its bilateral commitment not to allow any territory under its control to be used to support terrorism against India in any manner".

Sunderbani sector firing: Senior Pak High Commission official summoned

Indian agencies have raised concern over Pakistan using its High Commission for anti-state subversive activities in Bangladesh and India. The latest input&nbsp;indicates that the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka is orchestrating terror attacks in Bangladesh and in West Bengal, India.

Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), under the cover of diplomats' meeting, is secretly reaching out to terror groups in Bangladesh, asking them to plan terror attacks in Bangladesh and India, sources from intelligence agency told.&nbsp;

"One Pak diplomat of Pak High Commission posted in Dhaka held a secret meeting recently with a Bangladeshi terror group and promised to arrange an arms training for a batch of nearly 100 newly recruited terrorists for suicidal attacks. Input suggests that some of them would be sent to West Bengal for terror attacks after completing training." an intelligence officer told Zee Media.

Recently, the Sheikh Hasina government refused to accept the new Pakistan envoy, alleging that Pakistan is using diplomacy as a cover for ISI activities. Bangladesh Government believes that the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka has emerged as a centre of anti-government activities as well as similar activities against India.

“This is of serious concern to India as well as for Bangladesh, We are aware of how Pakistan is using their diplomats to destabilized India. Most of the diplomats are ISI undercover agents. There are reports that the Pakistan High Commissions in Dhaka is also involved in distributing fake Indian currency notes," an officer working in the security agency stated.

Another Intelligence report sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs last month has revealed that the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) held a secret meeting to discuss carrying out attacks during the Bangladesh general elections. It is being reported that, during the meeting, the terror outfit discussed plans to buy weapons and suicidal vests with the help of other terrorist groups in Bangladesh.

During the meeting, it was decided to recruit 300 more new cadres before the general election in Bangladesh. The group is also trying to conduct a two-week training in Chittagong district with a plan to establish 50 new training centres in various districts of Bangladesh with the help of Lashker terrorists of Pakistani origin.

Bangladesh is slated to hold the country's 11th national election in the third week of December this year as the term of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling Awami League (AL) party comes to an end in January 2019.

Indian agencies have raised concern over Pakistan using its High Commission for anti-state subversive activities in Bangladesh and India. The latest input indicates that the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka is orchestrating terror attacks in Bangladesh and in West Bengal, India.

Indian agencies have raised concern over Pakistan using its High Commission for anti-state subversive activities in Bangladesh and India. The latest input indicates that the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka is orchestrating terror attacks in Bangladesh and in West Bengal, India. Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), under the cover of diplomats' meeting, is secretly reaching out to terror groups in Bangladesh, asking them to plan terror attacks in Bangladesh and India, sources from intelligence agency told. "One Pak diplomat of Pak High Commission posted in Dhaka held a secret meeting recently with a Bangladeshi terror group and promised to arrange an arms training for a batch of nearly 100 newly recruited terrorists for suicidal attacks. Input suggests that some of them would be sent to West Bengal for terror attacks after completing training." an intelligence officer told Zee Media. Recently, the Sheikh Hasina government refused to accept the new Pakistan envoy, alleging that Pakistan is using diplomacy as a cover for ISI activities. Bangladesh Government believes that the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka has emerged as a centre of anti-government activities as well as similar activities against India. “This is of serious concern to India as well as for Bangladesh, We are aware of how Pakistan is using their diplomats to destabilized India. Most of the diplomats are ISI undercover agents. There are reports that the Pakistan High Commissions in Dhaka is also involved in distributing fake Indian currency notes," an officer working in the security agency stated. Another Intelligence report sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs last month has revealed that the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) held a secret meeting to discuss carrying out attacks during the Bangladesh general elections. It is being reported that, during the meeting, the terror outfit discussed plans to buy weapons and suicidal vests with the help of other terrorist groups in Bangladesh. During the meeting, it was decided to recruit 300 more new cadres before the general election in Bangladesh. The group is also trying to conduct a two-week training in Chittagong district with a plan to establish 50 new training centres in various districts of Bangladesh with the help of Lashker terrorists of Pakistani origin. Bangladesh is slated to hold the country's 11th national election in the third week of December this year as the term of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling Awami League (AL) party comes to an end in January 2019.

Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka orchestrating terror attacks in West Bengal: Report

&nbsp;India has said that it did not impose any restrictions on pilgrims travelling to Pakistan amid heightened tensions between the two nations following a string of terror attacks in the Kashmir Valley.

&quot;Of course not,&quot; External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Friday when asked if India had imposed any restriction on pilgrims.

The clarification comes after Pakistan reportedly blamed India for withdrawing visa applications of pilgrims from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

'Of course not,' External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Friday when asked if India had imposed any restriction on pilgrims

India has said that it did not impose any restrictions on pilgrims travelling to Pakistan amid heightened tensions between the two nations following a string of terror attacks in the Kashmir Valley. "Of course not," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Friday when asked if India had imposed any restriction on pilgrims. The clarification comes after Pakistan reportedly blamed India for withdrawing visa applications of pilgrims from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

Not imposed any restriction on pilgrims traveling to Pakistan: Ministry of External Affairs

Pakistan today directed its High Commission in New Delhi to issue visas to the wife and mother of Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav, official sources said.

The directive was issued by the Foreign Ministry following its decision last week to allow Jadhav&#39;s family to meet him on December 25 in Islamabad, they said.

The Foreign Office sources said that adequate security measures will be taken for the complete safety of Jadhav&#39;s family.

An Indian high commission official will be allowed to accompany Jadhav&#39;s family during their meeting.

Jadhav, 47, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April, following which India moved the ICJ in May. The ICJ halted his execution on India&#39;s appeal pending the final verdict by it.

Pakistan claims its security forces arrested Jadhav alias Hussein Mubarak Patel from restive Balochistan province on March 3 last year after he reportedly entered from Iran. 
India, however, maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy.

Pakistan yesterday rejected India&#39;s plea for consular access to Jadhav at the ICJ, claiming that New Delhi wants the access to get the information gathered by its &quot;spy&quot;.

Pakistan has repeatedly denied India consular access to Jadhav on the ground that it was not applicable in cases related to spies.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The directive was issued by the Foreign Ministry following its decision last week to allow Jadhav's family to meet him on December 25 in Islamabad, official sources said

Pakistan today directed its High Commission in New Delhi to issue visas to the wife and mother of Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav, official sources said. The directive was issued by the Foreign Ministry following its decision last week to allow Jadhav's family to meet him on December 25 in Islamabad, they said. The Foreign Office sources said that adequate security measures will be taken for the complete safety of Jadhav's family. An Indian high commission official will be allowed to accompany Jadhav's family during their meeting. Jadhav, 47, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April, following which India moved the ICJ in May. The ICJ halted his execution on India's appeal pending the final verdict by it. Pakistan claims its security forces arrested Jadhav alias Hussein Mubarak Patel from restive Balochistan province on March 3 last year after he reportedly entered from Iran. India, however, maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy. Pakistan yesterday rejected India's plea for consular access to Jadhav at the ICJ, claiming that New Delhi wants the access to get the information gathered by its "spy". Pakistan has repeatedly denied India consular access to Jadhav on the ground that it was not applicable in cases related to spies.

Pakistan directs high commission in Delhi to issue visas to Jadhav's mother, wife

India on Friday dismissed as &quot;totally speculative and nonsensical&quot; a Pakistani media report that the two countries were planning to temporarily recall their high commissioners amid deteriorating ties.

A report in Pakistani daily &quot;Express Tribune&quot; had claimed that the two countries were planning to recall their high commissioners and scale down the size of diplomatic staff in each other&#39;s missions after the latest diplomatic spat over last week&#39;s spying episode.&nbsp;

On November 3, a Pakistan High Commission staffer, Mehmood Akhtar, was detained for questioning and later expelled from the country for alleged espionage.

&nbsp;Pakistan subsequently pulled out six high commission staffers based in India.

&nbsp;The diplomatic warfare between the two countries has increased since then.&nbsp;

The Express Tribune report had claimed that after the incident, India, using a statement Delhi police extracted from Akhtar through &quot;coercive means&quot;, implicated other Pakistani staffers and leaked the identities of atleast six such officials to the Indian media, prompting Pakistan to withdraw them from New Delhi.

The Pakistani daily had said that an official said that India had breached an &lsquo;understanding&rsquo; by revealing the identities of the Pakistani officials posted in New Delhi. The official claimed that both sides knew that certain officials worked under cover and they did so with the full official knowledge.

India yesterday rejected Pakistan&#39;s allegations that eight Indian high commission officials were agents of India&#39;s intelligence agencies and were involved in terrorist activities in Balochistan and Sindh.

It is considering the withdrawal of the eight diplomats from Islamabad because of the manner in which their names and photos were published by Pakistani media, PTI reported citing sources.&nbsp;

The sources add that these diplomats are likely to return by Sunday.

India&#39;s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup slammed Pakistan for making the names of the high commission officials public, saying that &quot;their safety and security had been completely compromised.

Pakistan had claimed that these Indian officials were involved in &quot;espionage, subversion and supporting terrorist activities in Balochistan and Sindh, especially Karachi, sabotaging China Pakistan Economic Corridor, and fuelling instability in the two provinces&quot;.

Reacting sharply to Pakistan&#39;s charge, Vikas Swarup said the allegations against Indian officials represented an &quot;after-thought&quot; and a &quot;crude attempt&quot; to target them after the Pakistan High Commission staffer was expelled for espionage.

&quot;We completely reject the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations made by Pakistan against certain officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.&nbsp;

The Government categorically denies those allegations.

&quot;It is especially regrettable that Pakistani authorities have chosen to level these allegations after deciding to recall, on their own, six officials of the Pakistan High Commission, some of whom may have been named to Indian authorities by Mehmood Akhtar - Pakistan High Commission official caught red-handed,&quot; Swarup had said. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

The deterioration in bilateral relations is a result of the neighbours accusing each other's high commission officials of espionage

India on Friday dismissed as "totally speculative and nonsensical" a Pakistani media report that the two countries were planning to temporarily recall their high commissioners amid deteriorating ties. A report in Pakistani daily "Express Tribune" had claimed that the two countries were planning to recall their high commissioners and scale down the size of diplomatic staff in each other's missions after the latest diplomatic spat over last week's spying episode. On November 3, a Pakistan High Commission staffer, Mehmood Akhtar, was detained for questioning and later expelled from the country for alleged espionage. Pakistan subsequently pulled out six high commission staffers based in India. The diplomatic warfare between the two countries has increased since then. The Express Tribune report had claimed that after the incident, India, using a statement Delhi police extracted from Akhtar through "coercive means", implicated other Pakistani staffers and leaked the identities of atleast six such officials to the Indian media, prompting Pakistan to withdraw them from New Delhi. The Pakistani daily had said that an official said that India had breached an ‘understanding’ by revealing the identities of the Pakistani officials posted in New Delhi. The official claimed that both sides knew that certain officials worked under cover and they did so with the full official knowledge. India yesterday rejected Pakistan's allegations that eight Indian high commission officials were agents of India's intelligence agencies and were involved in terrorist activities in Balochistan and Sindh. It is considering the withdrawal of the eight diplomats from Islamabad because of the manner in which their names and photos were published by Pakistani media, PTI reported citing sources. The sources add that these diplomats are likely to return by Sunday. India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup slammed Pakistan for making the names of the high commission officials public, saying that "their safety and security had been completely compromised. Pakistan had claimed that these Indian officials were involved in "espionage, subversion and supporting terrorist activities in Balochistan and Sindh, especially Karachi, sabotaging China Pakistan Economic Corridor, and fuelling instability in the two provinces". Reacting sharply to Pakistan's charge, Vikas Swarup said the allegations against Indian officials represented an "after-thought" and a "crude attempt" to target them after the Pakistan High Commission staffer was expelled for espionage. "We completely reject the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations made by Pakistan against certain officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The Government categorically denies those allegations. "It is especially regrettable that Pakistani authorities have chosen to level these allegations after deciding to recall, on their own, six officials of the Pakistan High Commission, some of whom may have been named to Indian authorities by Mehmood Akhtar - Pakistan High Commission official caught red-handed," Swarup had said. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India dismisses Pakistan daily's report about recalling each other's high commissioners

Pakistan is considering pulling out four officers posted at its high commission in New Delhi days after India declared one of its officials&nbsp;persona non grata for espionage activities, a media report said on Tuesday.

&ldquo;This is under consideration. A final decision would be taken shortly,&rdquo; a source at the foreign office was quoted as saying by Dawn News.

The names of the officers &mdash; commercial counsellor Syed Furrukh Habib and first secretaries Khadim Hussain, Mudassir Cheema and Shahid Iqbal &mdash; were made public after a recorded statement of high commission staffer Mehmood Akhtar was released to the media, the report said.

Akhtar was expelled from India after being declared persona non grata. Akhtar told Dawn News that he had given the statement under duress.

In a tit-for-tat action, Pakistan had also declared an Indian high commission official as persona non grata after New Delhi&rsquo;s action against Akhtar following Indian police&rsquo;s busting of an ISI-run spy ring.

Akhtar, who worked in the visa section of the Pakistan high commission and had diplomatic immunity, was allegedly&nbsp;procuring critical details&nbsp;including about deployment of BSF personnel along the Indo-Pak border from two other accomplices who were arrested in Delhi.

Akhtar and two others &mdash; identified as Subhash Jangir and Maulana Ramzan &mdash;&nbsp;were picked up from Delhi Zoo last week.

Akhtar was released after about three hours of interrogation since he enjoys diplomatic immunity.

A fourth person, Shoaib, a Jodhpur-based passport and visa agent, was detained by Rajasthan police later.

(PTI)&nbsp;

The four officials had been named by expelled staffer Mehmood Akhtar

Pakistan is considering pulling out four officers posted at its high commission in New Delhi days after India declared one of its officials persona non grata for espionage activities, a media report said on Tuesday. “This is under consideration. A final decision would be taken shortly,” a source at the foreign office was quoted as saying by Dawn News. The names of the officers — commercial counsellor Syed Furrukh Habib and first secretaries Khadim Hussain, Mudassir Cheema and Shahid Iqbal — were made public after a recorded statement of high commission staffer Mehmood Akhtar was released to the media, the report said. Akhtar was expelled from India after being declared persona non grata. Akhtar told Dawn News that he had given the statement under duress. In a tit-for-tat action, Pakistan had also declared an Indian high commission official as persona non grata after New Delhi’s action against Akhtar following Indian police’s busting of an ISI-run spy ring. Akhtar, who worked in the visa section of the Pakistan high commission and had diplomatic immunity, was allegedly procuring critical details including about deployment of BSF personnel along the Indo-Pak border from two other accomplices who were arrested in Delhi. Akhtar and two others — identified as Subhash Jangir and Maulana Ramzan — were picked up from Delhi Zoo last week. Akhtar was released after about three hours of interrogation since he enjoys diplomatic immunity. A fourth person, Shoaib, a Jodhpur-based passport and visa agent, was detained by Rajasthan police later. (PTI)

Pak likely to pull out 4 high commission staffers from India: Report

Amid rising tensions over ceasefire violations between the two countries, Indian and foreign media reported on Wednesday that New Delhi would recall eight of its diplomats from Islamabad.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Vikas Swarup, however, declined to comment when asked whether the eight diplomats stationed in Islamabad would be withdrawn. International news agency Reuters quoted him as saying earlier that the diplomats had been &quot;completely compromised&quot; after their names and pictures were put in the public domain.

The same day, Pakistani sources told Indian news agency PTI that six of its high commission officials had returned home. However, there was no official announcement from Pakistan about the withdrawal of its diplomats.

&quot;The decision has been taken after it became impossible for the officials to work in this vitiated atmosphere,&quot; PTI quoted Pakistani sources as saying.

&quot;Indian government is threatening and blackmailing our diplomats. So, in this condition, it is impossible for us to stay in this country and work,&quot; the sources alleged.

Vikas Swarup, however, told Reuters that six Pakistani diplomats had left New Delhi on Wednesday but clarified they had not been expelled.

The officials, who left India, included commercial counsellor Syed Furrukh Habib and first secretaries Khadim Hussain, Mudassir Cheema and Shahid Iqbal, sources in the Pakistan High Commission told PTI.

Their names were apparently referred to by Mehmood Akhtar - the Pakistani embassy official who was expelled by India last week for alleged espionage -&nbsp;during his interrogation. Following his expulsion, Islamabad had also expelled an Indian high commission official posted there.

Indian diplomats to be &#39;expelled&#39; by Pakistan

The names of two officials were identified and their photographs were flashed by TV news channels across Pakistan on Wednesday. 
&nbsp; 
Geo TV reported that commercial counsellor Rajesh Agnihotri and press counsellor Balbir Singh may be expelled for using their positions in Pakistan as cover to hide their real identities. It claimed that Agnihotri was directly linked with RAW, while Balbir Singh was working for Intelligence Bureau (IB).

According to a PTI report, Geo TV claimed that Singh was also running a network of militants in Pakistan and expelled high commission official Surjeet Singh was also part of his network.

Deteriorating ties

The tension between the two countries has increased sharply after the Uri terrorist attack in September and the subsequent &#39;surgical strike&#39; by the Indian Army against terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Both countries accuse each other of repeatedly violating ceasefire across the LoC since the incidents.

India&#39;s Ministry of External Affairs accused Pakistan of violations of a 2003 ceasefire that have caused several fatalities and injuries among its civilians and security forces.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

The two neighbours have accused each other of repeatedly violating ceasefire across the LoC in the recent past

Amid rising tensions over ceasefire violations between the two countries, Indian and foreign media reported on Wednesday that New Delhi would recall eight of its diplomats from Islamabad. Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Vikas Swarup, however, declined to comment when asked whether the eight diplomats stationed in Islamabad would be withdrawn. International news agency Reuters quoted him as saying earlier that the diplomats had been "completely compromised" after their names and pictures were put in the public domain. The same day, Pakistani sources told Indian news agency PTI that six of its high commission officials had returned home. However, there was no official announcement from Pakistan about the withdrawal of its diplomats. "The decision has been taken after it became impossible for the officials to work in this vitiated atmosphere," PTI quoted Pakistani sources as saying. "Indian government is threatening and blackmailing our diplomats. So, in this condition, it is impossible for us to stay in this country and work," the sources alleged. Vikas Swarup, however, told Reuters that six Pakistani diplomats had left New Delhi on Wednesday but clarified they had not been expelled. The officials, who left India, included commercial counsellor Syed Furrukh Habib and first secretaries Khadim Hussain, Mudassir Cheema and Shahid Iqbal, sources in the Pakistan High Commission told PTI. Their names were apparently referred to by Mehmood Akhtar - the Pakistani embassy official who was expelled by India last week for alleged espionage - during his interrogation. Following his expulsion, Islamabad had also expelled an Indian high commission official posted there. Indian diplomats to be 'expelled' by Pakistan The names of two officials were identified and their photographs were flashed by TV news channels across Pakistan on Wednesday. Geo TV reported that commercial counsellor Rajesh Agnihotri and press counsellor Balbir Singh may be expelled for using their positions in Pakistan as cover to hide their real identities. It claimed that Agnihotri was directly linked with RAW, while Balbir Singh was working for Intelligence Bureau (IB). According to a PTI report, Geo TV claimed that Singh was also running a network of militants in Pakistan and expelled high commission official Surjeet Singh was also part of his network. Deteriorating ties The tension between the two countries has increased sharply after the Uri terrorist attack in September and the subsequent 'surgical strike' by the Indian Army against terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Both countries accuse each other of repeatedly violating ceasefire across the LoC since the incidents. India's Ministry of External Affairs accused Pakistan of violations of a 2003 ceasefire that have caused several fatalities and injuries among its civilians and security forces. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India, Pakistan diplomatic row: Islamabad recalls 6 officials, New Delhi to withdraw 8

A Delhi court sentenced a personal assistant of Samajwadi Party&#39;s (SP) member of parliament (MP) in the upper house to ten days in police custody, ANI reported.&nbsp;

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Espionage racket: Farhat, PA of SP leader Munawwar Saleem sent to 10 day police custody by Delhi court
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Farhat, the PA of Rajya Sabha MP Munabbar Saleem, was arrested on Friday after a Pakistan High Commissioner staffer, Mehmood Akhtar named him as one of his aides involved in the espionage racket.&nbsp;

Farhat was sent for a medical after his arrest and Ravindra Yadav, joint commissioner of police said he will remain in custody till investigation is underway.&nbsp;

A senior police officer had said, &quot;During Mehmood&#39;s questioning, Farhat Khan&#39;s name surfaced as one of his close associates in the espionage racket he was running along with names of some other Pakistan High Commission staffers.&quot;

Indian TV channels also showed a video in which Mehmood named Farhat, along with Syed Farruq, Khadim Hussain, Shahid Iqbal and Iqbal Cheema, who were staffers. He also said that he used to meet with Farhat at the capital&#39;s Mandi House metro station.&nbsp;

Delhi Police is trying to nab other members of the espionage racket after Akhtar was reportedly caught receiving secret defence&nbsp;documents about the deployment of Indian security forces in the capital&nbsp;on October 26.

Two others, Maulana Ramzan and Subhash Jangir, residents of Nagaur, Rajasthan, were held along with Akhtar. Another accused Shoaib Hassan was detained in Jodhpur and brought to Delhi by the police where he was arrested, PTI reported.&nbsp;

Hassan has been sent to an 11-day police custody, PTI reported.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)

Pakistan High Commissioner staffer Mehmood Akhtar, expelled by India for spying, had named Farhat as his 'close aide'

A Delhi court sentenced a personal assistant of Samajwadi Party's (SP) member of parliament (MP) in the upper house to ten days in police custody, ANI reported. Espionage racket: Farhat, PA of SP leader Munawwar Saleem sent to 10 day police custody by Delhi court — ANI (@ANI_news) October 29, 2016 × Farhat, the PA of Rajya Sabha MP Munabbar Saleem, was arrested on Friday after a Pakistan High Commissioner staffer, Mehmood Akhtar named him as one of his aides involved in the espionage racket. Farhat was sent for a medical after his arrest and Ravindra Yadav, joint commissioner of police said he will remain in custody till investigation is underway. A senior police officer had said, "During Mehmood's questioning, Farhat Khan's name surfaced as one of his close associates in the espionage racket he was running along with names of some other Pakistan High Commission staffers." Indian TV channels also showed a video in which Mehmood named Farhat, along with Syed Farruq, Khadim Hussain, Shahid Iqbal and Iqbal Cheema, who were staffers. He also said that he used to meet with Farhat at the capital's Mandi House metro station. Delhi Police is trying to nab other members of the espionage racket after Akhtar was reportedly caught receiving secret defence documents about the deployment of Indian security forces in the capital on October 26. Two others, Maulana Ramzan and Subhash Jangir, residents of Nagaur, Rajasthan, were held along with Akhtar. Another accused Shoaib Hassan was detained in Jodhpur and brought to Delhi by the police where he was arrested, PTI reported. Hassan has been sent to an 11-day police custody, PTI reported. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Pakistan espionage case: Indian MP's aide sent to ten days in police custody

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