'Despite our request...': India's tit-for-tat move against Pakistan mission explained

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “There were some temporary structures in the lane where the Pakistani High Commission is, and we removed them.” The ministry of external affairs on Friday described India’s tit-for-tat move as “proportionate action” after structures outside the Indian mission in Islamabad were removed.Structures, including queue liners near the visa section of the Pakistan High Commission, reportedly located outside the compound’s designated perimeter in a lane, were removed by authorities at New Delhi on Thursday (HT photo)The comments came after Indian authorities removed queue management barriers and other unauthorised structures outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi in response to the action taken by Pakistani authorities.Explaining the move, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “we took what could be described as a proportionate action.”“There were some temporary structures in the lane where the Pakistani High Commission is located here, and we removed them,” Jaiswal said.Deep DiveThe action came two days after Pakistani authorities removed some barricades and parking poles on a road outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad's high-security diplomatic enclave.The Indian mission had formally protested against the removal, but Pakistani authorities went ahead with the action, saying it was part of a project to widen the road, HT had reported earlier citing people familiar with the matter.Jaiswal said, “Despite our request to them not to do so, they went ahead with it.”Giving details of the incident, he added that the removed structures outside the Indian High Commission in Pakistan were meant to facilitate parking.Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More