Indian diplomats in Pakistan harassed again; questioned for nearly 30 minutes

In yet another instance of harassment of Indian Diplomats, a High Commission team was harassed in Peshawar on 21 December.

The Indian officials were returning from Qissa Khwani Bazar and nearby places to Hotel pearl continental when their vehicle was stopped by two agency officials who were following them on a motorbike.

The Indian delegation was stopped and questioned for almost 30 minutes on the main road itself. While the Indian officials requested them that they could collect information about the visit once they reach the hotel as it was inappropriate and inconvenient to wait on the main road, the agency officials did not allow them to proceed.

The agency officials warned the Indian officials that they should go back to Islamabad immediately. Subsequently, the visit had to be curtailed and the Indian officials had no choice but to return to Islamabad.

India has raised the matter with Islamabad. The Indian high commission issued a note verbale to Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 23rd December and requested to investigate the incident. Indian mission also asked agency officials to be sensitized on extending due courtesies and adequate protocol to visiting diplomats as per norms.

Reacting to the development, Pakistan Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Mohammad Faisal has said, "Pakistan stand on upholding Vienna convention on diplomatic relations & has always endeavored to facilitate the working of the Indian high commission in Islamabad within the diplomatic norms, international law and practises. It remains our position that smooth and unhindered functioning of missions is essential."

Meanwhile, sources have told WION that, Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi has sent a protest Note verbale to Ministry of External Affairs on an attempted hacking of Gmail account of a senior diplomat in the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi. Pakistan side sent three note verbals in December to MEA on the issues and difficulties such as - gas and water suppliers being barred for 6 days to Pakistani staff in its mission in Delhi.

Indian diplomats are being harassed for weeks now. On 10th December, an intruder tried to enter the house an Indian diplomat in Islamabad. India has lodged a complaint. Other instances include no gas connection in new residences, randomly switching off electricity, hostile questioning of guests at receptions.

In March this year, Indian and Pakistani diplomats placed in respective countries reported harassment.  After weeks of talking at a higher level, both sides agreed to resolve the matter. On 30 March 2018, India and Pakistan mutually agreed to resolve matters related to the treatment of diplomats and diplomatic premises, in line with the 1992 Code of Conduct for the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan. Same press releases were issued by New Delhi and Islamabad.

In July of this year, speaking in the Parliament, Minister of state in Ministry External Affairs, General VK Singh said, Government of India has, from time to time, taken up the incidents of harassment, aggressive surveillance and intimidation of the officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and also the obstacles placed in the early completion of residential complex for the Indian High Commission officials. The Pakistan side was asked to resolve these issues and ensure the safety and security of our diplomatic Mission and its diplomatic and consular officials."

The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992.

India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected. It also says intrusive and aggressive surveillance such as verbal and physical harassment shall not be allowed.