NEW DELHI – A secret contact between the National Security Advisers ofPakistan and India has helped defuse the diplomatic tensions betweenPakistan and India.
March 26 telephonic conversation between Pakistani National SecurityAdviser Nasser Janjua and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval helped end astandoff between both nations over diplomats’ harassment, *Times of India*link> reported*.*
Sources told ToI that Janjua and Doval agreed on the issue being resolvedunder the 1992 Code of Conduct governing treatment of diplomatic andconsular staff stationed in both countries. The Pakistani High Commissionerto India Sohail Mahmood and his Islamabad counterpart also worked withlocal authorities to ensure the CoC was employed to remedy pertinent issues.
Last week, Pakistan and India agreed to address the issue of diplomats’harassment through talks. The development came as a result of back-channeldiplomacy between the two states to prevent the situation from getting outof control.
Both New Delhi and Islamabad issued a simultaneous statement in thisregard. “India and Pakistan have mutually agreed to resolve matters relatedto the treatment of diplomats and diplomatic premises in line with the 1992Code of Conduct on treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India andPakistan,”a statement issued by the Foreign Office read.
The 1992 accord provides a comprehensive code of conduct for treatment ofdiplomats and other staff posted in New Delhi and Islamabad. The code ofconduct envisages both sides ensure safety and security of diplomats andshall not resort to intrusive and aggressive surveillance as well asharassment of diplomats and other staff.