THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI OMAR ABDULLAH)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The number of incidents of harassment of personnel of Indian High
Commission in Islamabad during the last three years are as follows:
1999 : 18 2000 : 22 2001 : 16
In 2002, till date, 9 cases of harassment/assault have been reported.
(c) Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral `Code of Conduct for Treatment of Diplomatic/Consular Personnel in India and Pakistan` signed by the two countries in 1992, the responsibility for the safety and security of personnel of High Commission rests with the host Government. Government of India protests strongly to Government of Pakistan against all cases of harassment of officials of Indian High Commission in Islamabad and remind them of their obligations under the Vienna Convention and bilateral Code of Conduct. Government remains committed to taking all necessary measures for the safety and security of the personnel in Indian missions abroad.
