While agreeing to resolve matters related to mistreatment of diplomats, India and Pakistan have decided that the two countries should not resort to intrusive and aggressive surveillance and actions such as verbal and physical harassment, disconnection of phone lines, etc. In a response to question in the Parliament, Minister of State in the External Affairs Ministry, V K Singh told Rajya Sabha that the Indian side has regularly raised the issue of harassment with Pak.

“The Government of India has, from time to time, taken up the incidents of harassments, 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 complexes for the Indian High Commission officials,” Singh said in a written response to a question.

The minister added that India and Pakistan agreed on March 30 to resolve the issues in line with the 1992 ‘Code of Conduct’ for treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan. The Code provides for “smooth and unhindered functioning” of the diplomatic and consular officials of the two countries in conformity with international laws without violating their privileges and immunities.

The two countries were engaged in a diplomatic spat for several weeks after both sides complained of harassment and intimidation. India issued several note verbales to the Pakistan foreign ministry detailing out incidents of harassment and intimidation of senior officials including High Commissioner, Ajay Bisaria, himself. Singh said Pakistan was asked to resolve the issues and ensure the safety of Indian diplomatic missions and officials.

Pakistan too claimed that there had been 26 instances of harassment and intimidation of its diplomats since March 7, following which Islamabad called back its high commissioner Sohail Mahmood to discuss the issue.

In response to another question on whether the government has adopted a policy of holding talks with neighbours, including Pakistan and China, to settle disputes, Singh said the process of bilateral engagement with India’s neighbours is a continuous and on-going process. The minister said that this reflected in the government’s continuing political outreach, joint initiatives and people-to-people contacts with neighbouring countries.

Singh said India and Pakistan had agreed to hold a Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue in December 2015 and the foreign secretaries were mandated to finalise the modalities of the dialogue. However, the dialogue did not happen because of the Pathankot Air Base terrorist attack on January 2, 2016, and intensification of cross-border terrorism, the minister said.

“The government has conveyed that it is committed to resolving all issues peacefully in keeping with the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration, in an atmosphere free from terror, hostility and violence. Onus is on Pakistan to create such a conducive atmosphere,” he said.

On China, Singh said New Delhi and Beijing are working towards utilising their bilateral dialogue mechanism to promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and enhancing communication at all levels in order to build greater trust and understanding.

Courtesy: The Pioneer, Friday, 06 April 2018 | PNS | New Delhi