ISLAMABAD, March 24: Pakistan on Saturday rejected India’s espionage charge against its high commission in New Delhi, terming it an attempt to divert international attention from the gruesome killings of the minority community in Gujarat.

A foreign office spokesman described as “malicious” and “baseless” Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, Omar Abdullah’s statement that Pakistan was using its High Commission in New Delhi to carry out “murky activities” and “espionage” in India.

The spokesman branded as absurd the allegation that an official of the Pakistan HC had collaborated with a low level official in respect of the Dec 13 attack on Indian parliament.

The HC officials are performing their duties strictly in accordance with the internationally-accepted diplomatic norms, the FO spokesman said.

“The Indian minister’s statement was another manifestation of the visceral animosity that animates the Indian government’s policy towards Pakistan.”

He pointed out that Pakistan could easily level similar allegations against the Indian government and its personnel in Pakistan.

“However, it wished to maintain some dignity and decorum of discourse between the two countries,” the spokesman added.—APP