Tension between India and Pakistan is growing, especially after Islamabad imposed targeted restrictions on basic supplies for the diplomats at the Indian High Commission. senior government sources have called the move “deliberate and premeditated,” and a clear violation of the Vienna Convention, which protects the work and dignity of diplomats.
Pakistan Blocks Gas, Water To Indian Diplomats
Why In News
- Tension between India and Pakistan is growing, especially after Islamabad imposed targeted restrictions on basic supplies for the diplomats at the Indian High Commission. senior government sources have called the move “deliberate and premeditated,” and a clear violation of the Vienna Convention, which protects the work and dignity of diplomats.
Why Pak Blocked Basic Amenities
- The restrictions have affected the supply of essential things like cooking gas, drinking water, and even newspapers, which has made daily life harder for the Indian diplomats and their families in Islamabad.
- It is worth noting that these restrictions follow the successful Operation Sindoor and New Delhi’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.
- Although there is no official confirmation as to why the basic amenities for the Indian diplomats have been blocked, the report cites officials saying that they believe the curbs are a form of “petty retaliation” by Pakistan’s ISI to make life harder for Indian diplomats working in Islamabad following the tense stand-off between the countries, especially after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pak Cuts Off Gas And Water Supply
- Although gas pipelines have been installed at the High Commission premises, the supply has been intentionally stopped. Vendors who earlier provided gas cylinders for cooking and heating have been ordered not to sell to Indian staff. This has forced diplomats and their families to look for costly and limited options in the open market.
- The problem is not limited to fuel. The report added that the High Commission’s regular supplier of clean, mineral water has also been stopped from making deliveries. All water sellers in Islamabad have been told not to supply the Commission. And since tap water is unsafe to drink without heavy filtration, this has caused major problems for the staff and their families.
No Access To Newspapers
- In another move, vendors have been told to stop delivering newspapers to the High Commission. Indian officials believe this is an attempt to cut diplomats off from print media and limit their access to local news and viewpoints, the report said.
- Government sources saying that these measures break the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which ensures the proper functioning of embassies and protects the dignity and safety of diplomats. They also warned that such actions could further damage the already tense relationship between India and Pakistan.
Not The First Time
- this is not the first time that the Indian diplomats have been harassed in Islamabad. Earlier the same thing happened when India carried out surgical strikes in 2019 after the Pulwama attack.
- After facing such hurdles, reports suggest that India may take retaliatory steps against Pakistani diplomats. A report by Economic Times said that Pakistani authorities have also increased surveillance of the Indian diplomats, watching them closely at both their homes and offices in Islamabad.
Vienna Convention
- Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR) is an international treaty that establishes rules for diplomatic relations between nations, ensuring diplomats can perform their duties without interference.
- Adopted on 18 April 1961 and enforced from 24 April 1964, it defines diplomatic immunity, privileges, and responsibilities of embassies and consulates. With 193 ratified countries, including India, this treaty is crucial for peaceful international relations.
- The Vienna Convention key provisions include:
- Diplomatic Immunity: Diplomats are protected from arrest, detention, and prosecution, except for actions outside official duties (Articles 29, 31). Immunity can be waived by the home country.
- Protection of Family Members: Family members of diplomats enjoy similar protections as the diplomats.
- Inviolability of Embassies: Diplomatic premises, including residences, are protected from intrusion or damage by the host country.
- Freedom of Communication: Diplomatic communication remains confidential, and diplomatic pouches cannot be opened.
- Non-Interference in Internal Affairs: Diplomats cannot meddle in the host country’s internal matters.
- Persona Non Grata: Host nations can declare a diplomat persona non grata, requiring them to leave.
