India and Pakistan Expel Diplomatic Staff Amid Rising Tensions Following Pahalgam Attack

On Thursday (May 22, 2025), the Pakistan government announced the expulsion of a staff member from the Indian High Commission. This move follows India’s decision on Wednesday (May 21, 2025) to expel a Pakistani official from its High Commission over allegations of espionage, marking the second such expulsion within a week, according to sources familiar with the situation. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the Pakistani staffer was declared "persona non grata" for engaging in activities inconsistent with his official role and was given 24 hours to leave India. Earlier, on May 13, India had expelled another Pakistani official on similar charges. Pakistan had responded by expelling an Indian staffer from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
The Pakistani Foreign Office issued a statement confirming that a member of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad was declared "persona non grata" for conduct deemed incompatible with his diplomatic status, and he was ordered to leave Pakistan within 24 hours. The Indian Chargé d'Affaires was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to be informed of this decision.
The statement emphasized that diplomats and staff at the Indian High Commission must not abuse their privileges or status in any way.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have risen following the Pahalgam attack, which resulted in 26 fatalities.