Relations between India and Pakistan appear to get bitter with each passing day. They seem to have hit a new low with both neighbouring countries accusing each other of harassing and intimidating their diplomats. Both countries threatened to pull out their diplomats and their families, if the alleged intimidation and harassment did not come to a halt. According to sources a group of 7-8 men illegally raided the residential complex in Islamabad last month and disconnected the power and water supply to the property, which is under construction, for over two weeks. This property is owned by India. It is alleged that the Pakistan government deliberately delayed restoring the services forcing Indian diplomats to compromise with their safety and security.
On February 16, Indian high commissioner Ajay Bisaria met the Pakistan foreign secretary on this issue to made a strong case of multiple acts of hooliganism against Indian staffs and property. It is noteworthy that Pakistan’s foreign secretary’s assurance in this regard did not yield any result.
On the other hand, Pakistan too is alleging harassment and intimidation charges against India. It has lodged four harassment charges of its diplomats with the Ministry of External Affairs. In one such complaint, Pakistan High Commission said two cars carrying children of Pakistan’s deputy high commissioner to a school in New Delhi were followed and obstructed. Pakistan further alleged that the driver of the car, carrying these children, was also threatened.
These allegations and counter allegations threaten to undermine efforts by both governments to move on humanitarian issues like release of prisoners over 70 years of age, by both countries, after the two neighbours agreed to sow seeds of goodwill after years of incessant confrontation.
