Probe promised: India ‘regrets’ Pakistan diplomat’s manhandling

Islamabad conveys concern over security for its diplomats in New Delhi.

ISLAMABAD:

Expressing its regret over the manhandling of a Pakistani diplomat in New Delhi, the Indian government promised a ‘through investigation’ into the incident on Tuesday.

Zirgham Raza, the first secretary for trade at Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi, and his driver were beaten up by around 10 unknown men in the Indian capital on Monday.

According to the Foreign Office, Raza and his driver Haider Zaman were physically abused while they were on their way home. Subsequently, the foreign ministry lodged a strong protest with India.

India’s foreign secretary phoned his Pakistani counterpart, Jalil Abbas Jilani, on Tuesday to express his regrets over the ‘unfortunate incident’ and assured that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.

The India foreign secretary informed Jilani that two men involved in the incident have already been detained and an FIR has been lodged.

The foreign secretary reminded the Indian government of its obligations under diplomatic conventions of providing adequate security to the Pakistani mission staff.

On Tuesday, the Indian deputy high commissioner was also summoned to the Foreign Office to convey Pakistan’s ‘serious concerns’ over the incident.

The Indian envoy was informed that such incidents are uncalled for, and do not augur well for overall bilateral relations, especially at a time when the leadership of the two countries is desirous of normalising relations, according to a Foreign Office statement.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 5^th, 2013.