India, Pakistan call back their diplomats for consultation

Islamabad, Dec. 22 (ANI): India and Pakistan have summoned their high commissioners apparently for consultations following the growing tension between two nations after the Mumbai terror attacks.

Satyabarata Pal, Indian high commissioner to Pakistan and his Pakistani counter part in India, Shahid Malik would brief New Delhi and Islamabad respectively after their interaction with the authorities over the Mumbai attacks' , Daily Times reported.

Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq termed it to be a 'routine activity' and denied the move to be an unusual one.

"There is nothing unusual about it. It is a routine activity for the two countries to call back their high commissioners," he said.

Commenting on Indian envoy's engagement, Sadiq said, "His visit to India is also not unusual. There are reports already published in the media that an envoys' conference is planned in India. He has gone to attend the conference."

Regarding Malik's return, the spokesman said that he would meet officials in the Foreign Office and would leave for India in two to three days as per schedule.

In the absence of envoys, Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Pakistan Mun Preet Vohra and Pakistani Deputy High Commissioner in India Afrasiab Mehdi Hashmi will act as the high commissioners.

Relations between the two nations worsened after terrorist attacks in Mumbai last month for which India blames Pakistan based elements. (ANI)