RAWALPINDI: In a dramatic operation this morning [Feb 10], a party of Pakistan Government officials, accompanied by men of the Security Police, raided the Iraqi Embassy in Islamabad, and recovered a large stock of arms and ammunition and guerrilla -warfare equipment — believed to be for distribution to “subversive elements” in Pakistan.

Following the extra-ordinary step, taken “in the over-riding interests of State security”, the Government of Pakistan declared the Iraqi Ambassador and the Attache as persona non-grata. They also announced their decision to recall the Pakistan Ambassador in Iraq immediately, while preparing to lodge a strong protest with the Iraqi Government. In a statement in the evening, the Government of Pakistan expressed shock over the whole thing, and accused the Government of Iraq of being “a party in a conspiracy with elements within and outside the country which seek to subvert the security and tranquillity of Pakistan”.

While the crates of arms and ammunition recovered from the Embassy — in the presence of over 20 foreign and Pakistani newsmen — were still being opened and searched, another consignment arrived by the evening flight of the PIA from Karachi. — Special Representative

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2023