New Delhi, May 21 -- India on Wednesday declared a Pakistani official persona non grata for engaging in activities not consistent with his official status in the country and has been asked to leave India within 24 hours.

"The Government of India has declared a Pakistani official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, persona non grata for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India. The official has been asked to leave India within 24 hours," read the Ministry of External Affairs press release.

Persona non grata is a formal declaration of disapproval by the host country. The host government requests the diplomat's departure, effectively ending their diplomatic immunity. The host country is no...