FO summons Indian chargé d'affaires, hands over demarche
Pakistan's Foreign Office summoned India's chargé d'affaires, Geetika Srivastava, to deliver a formal protest over what it described as India's 'aggressive and unilateral actions' following the Pahalgam incident, Express News reported.
According to diplomatic sources, Srivastava was handed a demarche and a formal note verbale outlining Pakistan's official response. The document included details of reciprocal measures Islamabad intends to implement.
'India's defence, air, and naval attachés have been declared persona non grata and informed of Pakistan's decision to expel them along with supporting staff,' said a source.
The Indian High Commission in Islamabad has been notified that its staff strength will be reduced to 30 personnel. Pakistan also informed India that, except for Sikh pilgrims, all Indian citizens in the country must leave within 48 hours.
The Wagah border crossing will be temporarily shut, and Pakistan's airspace will be closed to all Indian commercial flights. Islamabad also flagged the possible suspension of the Simla Agreement and other bilateral treaties in retaliation for India's unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Trade ties, including indirect trade channels with India, will also be suspended. The measures follow decisions made during a high-level National Security Committee meeting chaired by Pakistan's civilian and military leadership.
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