NEW DELHI: The prospect of a break in diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan drew nearer today [April 27] with the two countries exchanging increasingly acrimonious Notes of protest. The two neighbours have never severed diplomatic ties despite all the bitterness of the dispute over Kashmir, but observers said the possibility could not be ruled out in the present crisis stemming from India’s espousal of East Pakistan’s cause.

Relations were at their lowest point yesterday [April 26] when India announced that Pakistani diplomats, their families and servants, would have to seek permission to leave the country — a retaliatory move for Karachi curbs on Indian diplomats wanting to leave Pakistan.

Repatriation of Pakistani diplomats from Calcutta and Indians from the East Pakistani Capital of Dacca would, however, be treated separately and on a basis of reciprocity, an Indian Note to the Pakistani High Commission here said. — Agencies

[Meanwhile, as reported by a correspondent from Islamabad,] The officials here [Islamabad] were today [April 27] seriously concerned about the welfare of Mr Mehdi Masood who had moved from New Delhi to Calcutta last week to take over as Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner. According to last reports received here, he was virtually under detention...

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2021