In the wake of increasing tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, each country has accused the other of posting spies in their respective high commissions and over the past few days have identified such officials asking each other to withdraw them.
India decided to withdraw eight officials from its mission in Islamabad on Wednesday, hours after Pakistan called back six of its officials from its high commission here. The Indian officials have been accused of being spies and Pakistani media flashed their names.
The tit-for-tat expulsions would further worsen the chill in India-Pakistan ties, which have been deteriorating since an attack on an Army camp at Uri.
The events seem to underline that efforts to initiate any dialogue may see limited success. The Indian personnel returning from Pakistan include one counsellor, two first secretaries, one attache and four assistants. The two missions have been effectively downsized with bilateral relations on a downslide.
Pakistan on Wednesday pulled out six employees posted at its high commission in New Delhi. The six high commission officials returned to Pakistan via the Wagah border.