India, May 14 -- Pakistan on Tuesday declared a staff member of the Indian high commission in Islamabad "persona non grata" for engaging in activities what it called "incompatible" with his privileged status. Pakistan's move comes soon after India expelled a staffer of the Pakistan high commission in New Delhi for his alleged links with two people from Punjab who were arrested this week on charges of involvement in espionage, people familiar with the matter said.

A statement issued by the ministry of foreign affairs also that the concerned official has been directed to leave Pakistan within 24 hours.

"The Government of Pakistan has declared a staff member of the Indian High Commission, Islamabad, as persona non grata for engaging in act...