Pakistan authorities release two Indian High Commission staffers

The two Indian High Commission employees, who were reportedly arrested on Monday (June 15) morning for their alleged involvement in a ‘hit and run accident’ case, were released by Pakistani authorities in the evening.

The release of the two Indian staffers has been confirmed by top government sources. They are now back at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The Express Tribune newspaper identified the two Indian officials as Silvades Paul and Dawamu Brahamu.

The duo left the High Commission in a vehicle for official duty at around 8:30 AM (IST) and did not reach their destination, the sources said. India summoned the Pakistan charge d’affaires in Delhi and lodged a strong protest over the reported arrest of the two officials.

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Pakistani media reported that they were arrested for their alleged involvement in a “hit and run accident”. Geo News reported, quoting eyewitnesses, that a BMW car had a hit a pedestrian on the Embassy Road and its occupants allegedly tried to flee from the spot.

The pedestrian was critically injured and shifted to a hospital. Their car was stopped by a crowd who handed over the two men to Islamabad Police, it said. After their arrest, police discovered that the two men were officials of the Indian High Commission, the report said.

Official sources said the Pakistan charge d’affaires (CDA) was summoned to the ministry of external affairs and a demarche was issued to him, making it clear that there should be no interrogation or harassment of the Indian officials and the responsibility for their safety and security lay squarely with the Pakistani authorities.

The sources said the Pakistan side was asked to return the two officials along with the official car to the High Commission immediately.

(With inputs from agencies)