The report added that the High Commission’s regular supplier of clean, mineral water has also been barred from making deliveries.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated, particularly after Islamabad imposed targeted restrictions on basic supplies for diplomats at the Indian High Commission. According to a Report, senior government sources described the move as “deliberate and premeditated” and a clear violation of the Vienna Convention, which safeguards the work and dignity of diplomats.
Why has Pakistan blocked basic amenities for Indian diplomats?
The restrictions have disrupted the supply of essentials such as cooking gas, drinking water, and even newspapers, making daily life more difficult for Indian diplomats and their families in Islamabad. These measures come in the wake of the successful Operation Sindoor and New Delhi’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.
While there is no official confirmation on why basic amenities for Indian diplomats have been blocked, officials quoted in the report believe the curbs are a form of “petty retaliation” by Pakistan’s ISI. They allege the move is aimed at making life difficult for Indian diplomats stationed in Islamabad, particularly in the wake of the tense stand-off between the two nations after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pak cuts off gas and water supply
According to sources, although gas pipelines are installed at the High Commission premises, the supply has been deliberately halted. Vendors who previously provided gas cylinders for cooking and heating have reportedly been instructed not to sell to Indian staff. As a result, diplomats and their families are now compelled to rely on expensive and limited options available in the open market.
The issue extends beyond fuel shortages. The report stated that the High Commission’s regular supplier of clean, mineral water has also been barred from making deliveries. All water vendors in Islamabad have reportedly been instructed not to supply the Commission. Since tap water is unsafe for drinking without heavy filtration, this has created serious difficulties for the staff and their families.
No access to newspapers
In another restriction, vendors have been told to stop delivering newspapers to the High Commission. Indian officials believe this move aims to cut diplomats off from print media and limit their access to local news and perspectives, the report said.
Quoting government sources, the report noted that such measures violate the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which guarantees the smooth functioning of embassies and safeguards the dignity and safety of diplomats. Officials also warned that these actions could further strain the already tense ties between India and Pakistan.
Not the first time
A source told Media that this is not the first instance of Indian diplomats facing harassment in Islamabad. Similar measures were reported in 2019, following India’s surgical strikes after the Pulwama attack.
Amid these developments, reports suggest that India may consider retaliatory measures against Pakistani diplomats. According to The Economic Times, Pakistani authorities have also stepped up surveillance of Indian diplomats, closely monitoring them at both their residences and offices in Islamabad. (Agencies)
