India summoned the charges d’ affaires of Pakistan and lodged a strong protest for the “abduction’’ and “torture’’ of two officials of the High Commission of India in Islamabad’’ by Pakistan security agencies.
This is the second time the charges d' affaires of Pakistan has been summoned this week. The two officials had gone missing on Monday morning were believed to have been picked by ISI only to be returned later.
“The two Indian officials were subjected to interrogation, torture and physical assault resulting in grievous injuries to them. They were video-graphed and coerced to accept a litany of fictitious allegations and concocted charges. The vehicle of the High Commission, in which they were travelling, was extensively damaged,’’ a press release issued by the MEA said.
In a strong statement, India condemned Pakistan's action.
“This premeditated, grave and provocative action on the part of the Pakistani authorities, preceded by intensified surveillance, harassment and intimidation of High Commission personnel over the past several days, was designed to obstruct and disrupt the normal functioning of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The attempt by Pakistani authorities to levy false accusations and concocted charges on the officials of the High Commission is rejected in entirety,’’ the statement read.
Indian officials in the High Commission had recently complained about being aggressively tailed in Islamabad. A video of the India's Charge d'affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia’s car being chased by ISI was shared recently on Twitter. He was also followed when he went out on his morning walk. India took up the matter with Pakistan strongly citing 13 such incidents in March only.
“Our grave concerns at the fact that the Pakistan agencies threatened to physically harm more officials of the Indian Mission have been shared. It has been highlighted that Pakistan is responsible for the safety and security of the Indian High Commission, its officials, staff members, their families and properties,’’ the statement read.
Pakistan had alleged that the two officials had been allegedly involved in a hit-and-run accident and were apprehended by a crowd after injuring a man. The relations between the two neighbours has been at an historic low.
