Pakistan on Tuesday categorically rejected baseless allegations levelled by the Indian External Affairs Ministry as a pretext to seek 50 percent reduction in the staff strength of the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi.

“Pakistan completely dismisses allegations of any violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations by the officials of the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi and reiterates that we always function within the parameters of international law and diplomatic norms,” Islamabad said in response to a fresh statement as part of Delhi’s smear campaign.

The Foreign Office stated: “Pakistan also rejects the insinuations of intimidation of Indian High Commission officials in Islamabad. The Indian government’s smear campaign against Pakistan cannot obfuscate the illegal activities in which the Indian High Commission officials were found involved in.

“The Indian External Affairs Ministry’s statement is another effort to distort facts and deny the culpability of these Indian High Commission officials in criminal offences.

"The latest Indian action is a part of India’s desperate attempts to divert attention from its state-terrorism and worst human rights violations in Indian occupied Kashmir.

“India would be better advised to focus on its internal and external issues, rather than creating diversions at the cost of peace and stability in South Asia.”

Islamabad clarified: “Pakistan has been consistently sensitising the world community that irresponsible policies of the BJP government are increasingly imperilling regional peace and stability.

“The Indian Chargé d’ Affaires in Islamabad was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to convey Pakistan’s rejection and condemnation of the baseless Indian allegations.

“The Indian Chargé d’ Affaires was also informed of Pakistan’s decision to reduce the Indian High Commission’s staff strength by 50% as a reciprocal measure. The Chargé d’ Affaires was asked to implement the decision conveyed to him within seven days.”