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"Persona Non Grata...": India Summons Top Pakistani Envoy, Orders Withdrawal of Military Staff
India has formally summoned Pakistan’s top diplomat in New Delhi, Saad Ahmad Warraich, and issued a Persona Non Grata notice for its military officers posted at the Pakistani High Commission. The move comes in the aftermath of a devastating terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Tuesday that claimed 26 lives and left several others injured.
The attack, which occurred in the Anantnag district, has been described as one of the most heinous in recent years, turning the once-tranquil tourist destination into a scene of tragedy.
In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Wednesday. The over two-hour-long meeting was attended by key figures including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Following the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) unveiled a series of strong diplomatic and strategic steps. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India.”
He further announced a reciprocal move, stating that India would withdraw its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from its High Commission in Islamabad. “These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled,” he added.
Additionally, five support staff linked to the Service Advisors from both missions will also be withdrawn.
In a strong diplomatic retaliation following the Pahalgam terror attack India has announced a series of sweeping measures targeting Pakistan. These include the immediate closure of the Attari-Wagah border, suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and the revocation of travel privileges for Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. Those who crossed into India with valid documentation have been asked to return by 1 May, and Pakistani nationals currently in India under the SAARC scheme must leave within 48 hours.
