Pakistan High Commission Staffer Expelled Over Espionage

Pakistan High Commission Staffer Expelled Over Espionage

Why in the News ?

India has declared a Pakistan High Commission staffer as persona non grata and expelled him within 24 hours for alleged espionage activities linked to the leak of sensitive military information, amid rising tensions post Operation Sindoor and cross-border attacks.

Pakistan High Commission Staffer Expelled Over Espionage

India’s Action and Espionage Link:

  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declared a Pakistani official “persona non grata” for activities inconsistent with diplomatic norms.
  • He was linked to two individuals arrested in Punjab for leaking information about Indian Army movements.
  • The accused had reportedly been sharing intel with a Pakistan-based handler and receiving money via online transactions.

  • The MEA issued a demarche to Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires, asking the staffer to leave within 24 hours.

Security Context and Cross-Border Espionage

  • The expulsion follows heightened troop movement and cross-border operations since May 7.
  • Punjab Police stated that they were tracking more local operatives involved in the espionage network.
  • An FIR has been filed and financial trails are being investigated to identify additional links.

  • The move is viewed as a strong signal of India’s zero-tolerance towards foreign espionage activities.

India-Pakistan Diplomatic Tensions

  • Tensions escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22), leading both countries to reduce diplomatic staff.
  • Pakistan criticized PM Modi’s claim of setting a “new normal” with Operation Sindoor, calling it provocative.

  • India countered, saying Pakistan has fostered terrorism on an industrial scale and must face consequences.

Understanding Persona Non Grata:

●     A diplomatic term used to expel a foreign official for unacceptable behavior.

●     Grants the host country the right to revoke diplomatic immunity.

●     Commonly invoked in espionage cases.

●     In May 2025, India declared a Pakistan High Commission staffer persona non grata.

●     The individual was asked to leave within 24 hours.

What is Espionage?

●     Act of gathering confidential information without authorization, typically for military or political gain.

●     Involves use of agents or insiders.

●     In this case, Indian authorities arrested individuals leaking Army movement data to Pakistan.

●     Linked to a staffer at the Pakistan High Commission.

●     Considered a serious breach of national security.

About Operation Sindoor:

●     A military operation launched by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22).

●     Aimed at targeting cross-border terror infrastructure.

●     Praised by PM Modi as a “new normal” in India’s response.

●     Signaled India’s shift to pre-emptive, punitive measures.

●     Operation’s success intensified diplomatic fallout with Pakistan.