Espionage case: Pak envoy Abdul Basit protests detention of staffer; denies accusations, say sources

Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit on Thursday strongly protested the detention of the mission's staffer for procurement of documents relating to defence deployment.

The staffer Mehmood Akhtar, who worked in the visa section of the Pakistan High Commission, was procuring critical details from two other accomplices who have been arrested in Delhi. Akhtar was released as he enjoys diplomatic immunity, but after prolonged questioning by the police .

"Basit strongly protested with Indian Foreign Secretary at the detention and manhandling of Pakistan High Commission staffer yesterday in violation of 1961 Vienna Convention," sources in Pakistan High Commission said.

Sources said that the High Commissioner asked the Indian Government to ensure that such harassment does not happen in future.

Strongly rejected and denying the accusations, Basit claimed that Pakistan High Commission never engaged in any activity that was incompatible with its diplomatic status.

Meanwhile, India has declared Akhtar as persona non grata for espionage activities. This was conveyed by Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar who had summoned Basit on Thursday.

"The accused were involved in espionage activities for over a year-and-a-half. We were watching their activities for past six months. On a specific input, they were held yesterday. Akhtar is a kingpin of the spy ring," Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) RS Yadav told a press conference.