Amid allegations and counter-allegations of harassment of their diplomatic staff, Pakistan High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood has returned to Islamabad for consultations and India has sought immediate resolution to the issues flagged by New Delhi.

“As you know, our High Commission is facing a litany of issues which have not been resolved for several months. We raise these issues in good faith through diplomatic channels and not through the media. We have asked for immediate resolution of these issues faced by our High Commission in Islamabad so that the safety and security of our diplomatic Mission and its diplomatic and consular officials is assured. We would like our Mission to function normally, without any obstruction or harassment, in keeping with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Thursday.

Pakistan has alleged that there have been cases of obstruction of its diplomats’ vehicles followed by harassment and hurling of abuses to them and their families on Delhi roads.

“We have seen reports of issues raised by Pakistan. We do not wish to respond to these issues through the media but through established diplomatic channels. What I can say is that we are looking into these issues,” Raveesh said while responding to queries on whether the MEA is taking any action on the complaints by the Pakistan High Commissioner with regard to harassments.

India has made similar accusations of harassment to its diplomats in Islamabad. However, the MEA has for the time being not called its envoy Ajay Bisaria to New Delhi for discussions in this regard. Bisaria has already lodged a strong protest against multiple acts of hooliganism against Indian properties and personnel with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua. Sources said India is waiting to see the action on assurances given by her even though there is no positive development on the ground till date.

India has alleged that the residential complex of the diplomats in Islamabad was raided by Pakistan agencies, who expelled all Pakistani service providers and later disconnected power and water supply. Despite the Foreign Secretary’s assurance, the power supply was not restored for over two weeks. Sources added there have been several cases of unauthorised entries, intimidation, and forcible stoppage of Indian High Commission’s vehicles in Islamabad.

Courtesy: The Pioneer, Friday, 16 March 2018 | PNS | New Delhi