6 Pakistan envoys return home, 8 Indians coming back

NEW DELHI: After six Pakistani diplomats returned home on Wednesday, eight Indian envoys are reportedly coming back amid growing tension between the two countries. According to the Pakistani high commission sources, six diplomats have either left or are in the process of leaving. “The decision has been taken after it became impossible for the officials to work in this vitiated atmosphere.

Indian government is threatening and blackmailing our diplomats. So, in this condition, it is impossible for us to stay in this country and work,” Pakistani embassy sources said.

Those who have left India include commercial counsellor Syed Furrukh Habib and first secretaries Khadim Hussain, Mudassir Cheema and Shahid Iqbal. Pakistan high commission staffer Mehmood Akhtar (ordered out of India on charges of spying) had named the four officials as being part of the alleged spy ring in a recorded statement to the Delhi Police. On Tuesday, Pakistani daily ‘Dawn’ had reported that Islamabad was considering pulling out these officials.

Meanwhile, media reports emerging from Islamabad said Pakistan was likely to ask at least eight officials of the Indian high commission to leave the country for their alleged involvement in “subversive activities.”

According to ‘Express Tribune’, the list of Indian diplomats who could be asked to leave include RK Agnihotri and Balbir Singh. Pakistan, however, has not been able to substantiate charges against any Indian diplomat.