Did Pakistan Stop Newspapers to the Indian High Commission in Retaliation for 'Operation Sindoor'?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan has restricted newspaper deliveries to the Indian High Commission.
- This action is seen as retaliation for India's 'Operation Sindoor.'
- Experts view this as a significant downturn in diplomatic relations.
- The move raises questions about information access for Indian diplomats.
- MEA condemns the action as a violation of diplomatic norms.
New Delhi, Aug 11 (NationPress) The government of Pakistan has implemented specific restrictions on the Indian High Commission located in Islamabad since June 2025, seemingly as a response to India's military initiative, 'Operation Sindoor.' This action included the suspension of newspaper deliveries to the diplomatic mission.
As per sources from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Pakistani officials instructed local vendors and distributors to refrain from supplying any newspapers or printed materials to the Indian diplomatic mission.
This resulted in Indian diplomats in Islamabad being unable to access Pakistani print media, making it challenging for them to remain informed about local events, issues, and developments. This restriction is perceived as a calculated move by Pakistan to limit the information available to Indian officials, thereby preventing them from staying updated on local affairs. Analysts suggest this reflects a broader trend of retaliatory measures following India's military actions.
Sources from MEA criticized this decision as “intentional, premeditated, and a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,” which ensures the safe and dignified functioning of diplomatic missions worldwide. Officials labeled Pakistan's tactics as part of its long-standing strategy of applying pressure on Indian diplomats through unconventional methods rather than seeking constructive dialogue.
This incident came on the heels of the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and was a direct consequence of India's 'Operation Sindoor,' which caused substantial damage to terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan. MEA sources described Pakistan's actions, such as halting newspaper deliveries to Indian High Commission officials, as “petty retaliation” stemming from frustrations over its military shortcomings against India.
Experts in diplomatic relations believe that such restrictions represent a concerning downturn in India-Pakistan relations, as Islamabad intensifies tensions by disrupting essential services for Indian diplomats in its capital.