India condemns expulsion of High Commission staffer Surjeet Singh by Pak

New Delhi [India], Oct. 28 (ANI): Expressing India's regret over Pakistan's decision to declare Surjeet Singh, Assistant Personnel and Welfare officer in the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, as persona non grata and to expell him and his family members, the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said the step is an afterthought following yesterday's apprehension of Pakistan High Commission staffer Mehmood Akhtar here while indulging in anti-India activities, which India condemns. "And thus, Pakistan's action further confirms that it continues to be in denial of its anti-India activities, including cross-border terrorism," MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup told ANI. "We note with regret that the Government of Pakistan's decision to declare Surjeet Singh persona non grata and expelled him and his family members. No justification has been provided by the Government of Pakistan, except for completely baseless and unsubstantiated allegation that his activities were not in keeping with the diplomatic norms," said Swarup, adding that the government condemns Pakistan's step. Responding to the expulsion of the Pakistani official on charges of espionage, Pakistan on Thursday asked Singh to leave the country within 48 hours with his family. Akhtar was recruited by Pakistan's Inter-Services intelligence (ISI) three years ago and later posted in the High Commission in Delhi. (ANI)