Pakistani embassy officials return home as ties with India worsen

Following escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations, a group of 30 Pakistani embassy personnel returned home from India along with other Pakistani nationals. Despite worsening ties, the two countries continue to uphold diplomatic relations, as per reports.

According to reports, the repatriation of officers from the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi began yesterday evening, with Ambassador Sohail Qamar and four staff members returning to Pakistan via the Wagah border.

Earlier the same day, three members of the Pakistani embassy and 26 of their family members also returned home through the Wagah border.

Read: Tensions remain high on LoC as Pakistan, India trade fire for fifth consecutive night 

A total of 34 individuals affiliated with the diplomatic mission, including one diplomat, seven staff members, and 26 family members, were repatriated to their home country, and others will arrive by April 30.

The repatriation took place after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 killed, mostly tourists. The incident was described as one of the deadliest armed attacks in the Himalayan region since 2000.

The Resistance Front initially claimed responsibility for the attack but later denied involvement. Pakistan, for its part, strongly rejected India’s allegations of cross-border linkages, calling them baseless.

Read: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warns of attack risk from India amid Pahalgam incident

In response to India’s accusations and hostile actions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, airspace closures, trade restrictions, and visa bans, Pakistan issued reciprocal measures.

The Pakistani government has also given an ultimatum to Indian nationals and diplomatic staff to leave the country by April 30. Repatriations began just one day after the Pahalgam attack.