Pakistani diplomats face harassment in Delhi as water supply cut, eviction notices served

Pakistani diplomats stationed at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are facing harassment, with at least four officials having received eviction notices from their landlords before the expiry of their rental agreements, according to media reports.

They said that the diplomats are under constant surveillance, and their gas and internet services have been intermittently cut off.

Additionally, the visa extensions for 17 staff members, including diplomats, remain pending with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs despite requests made three to five months ago.

Compounding the situation, the water supply to the Pakistani High Commission has been suspended, and the delivery of Indian newspapers to the mission has been halted for over a month.

The High Commission has formally raised these concerns with Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This harassment occurs amid escalating tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi following a brief but intense armed conflict in May.

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The confrontation began when India launched cross-border strikes into Pakistan, citing retaliation for a terrorist attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Pakistan responded with Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, downing six Indian Air Force jets, including three Rafales, after which the 87-hour conflict resulted in the deaths of 40 civilians and 13 military personnel in Pakistan.

In the aftermath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government announced that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan would be put on hold. However, the Permanent Court of Arbitration recently ruled that India must continue allowing the flow of western rivers for Pakistan’s unrestricted use.