NEW DELHI: The prospect of a break in diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan drew nearer today [April 27] with the two countries exchanging increasingly acrimonious Notes of protest. The two neighbours have never severed diplomatic ties despite all the bitterness of the dispute over Kashmir, but observers said the possibility could not be ruled out in the present crisis stemming from India’s espousal of East Pakistan’s cause.
Relations were at their lowest point yesterday [April 26] when India announced that Pakistani diplomats, their families and servants, would have to seek permission to leave the country a retaliatory move for Karachi curbs on Indian diplomats wanting to leave Pakistan.
From the Archives (January 25, 1971): Pak diplomat asked to quit India
January 25, 2021 00:15 IST
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January 25, 2021 00:15 IST
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The Government of India to-day [January 24] ordered the expulsion of Mr. Zafar Iqbal Rathod, First Secretary of the Pakistan High Commission, here [New Delhi] for active involvement in organising and directing the underground ‘Al Fatah’ organisation in Jammu and Kashmir, it was officially announced. Mr. Rathod has been declared persona non grata and ordered to leave India within 48 hours. The order expelling him was handed over to Mr. Mehdi Masood, Counsellor of the Pakistan High Commission, by Mr. A. K. Ray, Joint Secretary External Affairs Ministry, this morning. The Government of India’s note said, “As a result of investigations into certain events in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, it has been established that Mr. Zafar Iqbal Rathod, First Secretary in the Pakistan High Commission, has been actively involv