Pakistani diplomats ordered to vacate homes in Delhi

Diplomats told to vacate housing before contracts end, with several already ordered to leave

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ISLAMABAD:

India has reportedly ordered Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi to vacate their residences before the expiry of their contracts, amid continuing harassment and surveillance, according to sources cited by Express News.

The sources said Pakistani diplomats are under constant watch, and their home internet services are being frequently suspended.

The orders to vacate came before the official end of the diplomats’ housing contracts, with four to five Pakistani officials already instructed to leave their residences.

The strain in India–Pakistan diplomatic relations began after the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which led to a military confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Also Read: Pakistan rubbishes India's claim of 'nuclear blackmail'

Earlier in May, the Indian government declared two Pakistani officials posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi persona non grata, accusing them of “activities not in keeping with their official status.”

In a tit-for-tat move, soon after India’s decision, Pakistan declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad persona non grata and directed the diplomat to leave the country within 24 hours.

After the Pahalgam attack, India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident. However, Pakistan categorically rejected the accusation.

In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other's embassies.

Tensions further escalated, when missile strikes hit six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, destroying a mosque and killing dozens of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. In a swift military response, Pakistan’s armed forces shot down Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets.

The confrontation intensified again in the early hours of May 10, when India targeted several Pakistani airbases with missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, damaging Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases, and other strategic targets.

On May 10, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached following intense diplomatic efforts overnight. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian foreign secretary.