New DelhiThe Pakistani government has announced that it is probing reports of inappropriate conduct by one of its officials at its consulate in Delhi. A woman has accused staffers of unwanted sexual advances during her visit to the consulate in 2022 to apply for a visa. According to the woman’s statement given to News18, she wanted to go to Pakistan as she had been invited by a university to deliver a lecture. When she first reached the embassy for the visa, she was asked to come in May after Eid. However, another official at the consulate told the woman that he could process her visa application.
Woman claims she was asked questions on marital status, sex life
She further told the media outlet that she was taken to another room and asked general questions first and then the conversation crossed a line as she was asked about her marital status and sex life. “Then he asked me about my sex life. I found that uncomfortable,” she was quoted as saying by News18.
She also alleged that the two officials from Pakistan started talking about the Khalistan movement and the Kashmir resolution, completely diverting the conversation from the matter.
Pak diplomats allegedly asked her to criticize PM Modi in articles
About a month after the initial incident, the woman reported receiving WhatsApp messages from the concerned authorities. According to him, both the men were offering him money in return for writing articles critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The woman said the men were messaging simultaneously and deleting her messages, but she was able to take screenshots.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry took cognizance of the incident
In a statement, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry stressed the importance of proper behavior and courtesy towards visa and consular applicants and said that all diplomatic staff are instructed to conduct themselves in a professional manner. The ministry also said that there is zero tolerance for any misbehavior or misbehavior towards persons visiting Pakistani missions.
The ministry spokesperson expressed surprise at the timing and manner of making the allegations and highlighted that there are established procedures to address public grievances. The incident has created tension between the two countries and investigations are on. Any misconduct must be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated to ensure justice for victims and accountability for any wrongdoing.