Pakistan, India agree to ‘end’ diplomats harassment

ISLAMABAD: After weeks of allegations and counter allegations over harassment of each other’s diplomats, Pakistan and India have agreed to resolve matter in line with 1992 bilateral ‘Code of Conduct’ on treatment of diplomatic and consular staff in their respective countries.

The Foreign Office issued a terse statement on the matter, saying: “India and Pakistan have mutually agreed to resolve matters related to the treatment of diplomats and diplomatic premises, in line with the 1992 ‘Code of Conduct’ for treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan.”

Simultaneously Indian Ministry of External Affairs also issued a statement underlining the understanding of both the countries in resolving the matter mutually.

The discussions between the two countries had initiated after Pakistan recalled its High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood for consultations following a spike in incidents of harassment of Pakistani diplomats in Delhi. India also leveled counter allegations about treatment of its diplomats in Islamabad.

Pakistan said that over 50 incidents of harassment of its diplomats and their families took place between March 7 and 23 in New Delhi. A video footage also surfaced showing the children of Pakistani diplomats on way to their schools being stopped and harassed.

India claims to have sent 15 note verbales to the Foreign Office to protest over alleged maltreatment of their diplomats in Pakistan.

The discussions on addressing each other’s complaints had significantly progressed when High Commissioner Mahmood last week returned to New Delhi. His visit to Ajmer Sharif for attending the Urs of Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti became possible because of the flexibility shown by the host after behind-the-scenes talks.

What is the 1992 Code of Conduct?

The 12-point 1992 Code of Conduct was signed by then foreign secretary Shaharyar Khan and his Indian counterpart J.N. Dixit for “smooth and unhindered functioning” of each other’s diplomatic missions and consular staff and to ensure that the privileges and immunities of the diplomatic and consular staff and premises were not violated.

The CoC clearly lays down that the dignity and personal inviolability of diplomatic/ consular personnel of the Sending State and their families shall be guaranteed and fully respected by the Receiving State.

It also states, according to TOI, that intrusive and aggressive surveillance and actions such as verbal and physical harassment, disconnecting of telephone lines, threatening telephone calls, pursuit in cars and unauthorised entry into residences shall not be resorted to.