The diplomatic row is taking more serious turn.
New Delhi: Earlier today, on 12 August, we told you that Pakistan has stopped gas supply to the homes of Indian diplomats in Islamabad. Local gas cylinder suppliers have also been instructed not to sell gas cylinders to Indian diplomats. To make matters worse, Islamabad has also stopped the supply of mineral water and newspapers.
Why did India stop newspaper supply to the Pakistan High Commission?
Following Pakistan’s despicable act of stopping gas supply, mineral water and newspapers to the homes of Indian diplomats in Islamabad, India has reportedly stopped the supply of newspapers to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.
What led India to take this action?
Pakistan has stopped gas supply to the homes of Indian diplomats in Islamabad. Apart from this, local gas cylinder suppliers have also been instructed not to sell gas cylinders to Indian diplomats. According to a report by India Today, Islamabad has also stopped the supply of mineral water and newspapers. Pakistan has taken this decision as a retaliatory action after India thrashed Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
Reportedly, Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, is behind these acts.
When was the last time Pakistan engaged in such mischief?
The last time Pakistan indulged in such malicious acts was after India carried out air strikes in response to the Pulwama attack in 2019. That time, too, Pakistani officials had harassed Indian diplomats similarly.
At that time, the Indian High Commissioner, Deputy High Commissioner, and other senior officials, including the Naval Advisor, had faced such behaviour. These incidents included constant stalking, interrogation by security personnel, and making fake phone calls.
This is a violation of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan
Pakistan’s decision to stop gas, water and newspapers is a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961). According to Article 25 of the Convention, the host country must provide all facilities for the smooth functioning of the diplomatic mission.
By deliberately stopping these basic supplies, Pakistan has hindered the work of the mission and the daily life of diplomats. The purpose of the Convention is that diplomats can work without fear and interference. These actions of Pakistan are a direct attempt to create an atmosphere of fear and pressure.
