Another Pakistani Diplomat Declared Persona Non Grata by India Amid Espionage Allegations
In a fresh diplomatic flashpoint between India and Pakistan, the Indian government on Wednesday expelled another official from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, declaring the individual persona non grata over suspected espionage activities.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the development, stating the individual had been directed to leave the country within 24 hours. A formal demarche was issued to the Charge d’Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission, with India expressing strong objection to the misuse of diplomatic privileges.
“Charge d’Affaires, Pakistan High Commission, was issued a demarche to this effect today. He was asked to strictly ensure that none of the Pakistani diplomats or officials in India misuse their privileges and status in any manner,” the MEA said in an official statement.
Sources said the expelled official had allegedly been engaging in espionage under the guise of offering visa services. The identity of the individual has not been publicly disclosed by the government.
This is the second such expulsion in less than 10 days. On May 13, India had expelled another Pakistan High Commission staffer on similar charges. In a retaliatory move, Pakistan expelled an Indian High Commission staffer in Islamabad, accusing him of “activities incompatible with his diplomatic status.”
Reports suggest that the latest expulsion may be linked to the ongoing investigation involving Haryanvi YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was arrested earlier this month along with several others in Hisar, Haryana, on charges of spying for Pakistan.
According to police, Malhotra was in contact with a man identified as Ahsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, allegedly a Pakistani intelligence handler stationed at the High Commission. The man is believed to have facilitated Malhotra’s connection with Pakistani intelligence operatives.
“She met Danish at the High Commission in 2023 while applying for a visa. Since then, she remained in contact with him and others,” investigators said.
Police allege that Malhotra provided sensitive details, including Indian Army movement, to her handlers during the brief military escalation following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Her YouTube channel, which currently has over 3.87 lakh subscribers, is now under scrutiny for potential use in espionage activities.
The latest expulsion highlights growing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly amid recent security incidents and reciprocal accusations of espionage.
India’s move reflects heightened sensitivity to foreign diplomats allegedly involved in activities that compromise national security. The MEA’s strong warning suggests a zero-tolerance approach going forward.
