Pakistan Stops Newspapers at Indian Embassy; India Calls It a Violation of Vienna Convention

National News: Pakistan has banned the delivery of newspapers to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. India has strongly criticized the move, calling it a “petty action” and a clear violation of the Vienna Convention. This international treaty defines the rules and rights of diplomats working in other countries.

What Is the Vienna Convention?

The Vienna Convention was first signed in 1961 to establish a standard set of rules for diplomatic relations between independent and sovereign nations. Under this treaty, diplomats are given certain privileges and protections while they are posted in a foreign country. The main purpose of the agreement is to ensure smooth communication and functioning between countries without interference or threats to their representatives.

The treaty was drafted by the International Law Commission and came into force in 1964. By February 2017, 191 countries had signed the agreement, making it one of the most widely accepted international treaties.

Key Rights Under the Treaty

According to the Vienna Convention, a host country must give special status to diplomats from other nations. These rights include:

• Diplomats cannot be arrested or detained in legal cases by the host country.
• Diplomats are exempt from paying customs duties and certain taxes.
• The host country is responsible for protecting the embassy premises.
• The host nation cannot enter embassy grounds without permission.
• The treaty contains 54 articles that clearly outline these rights and duties.

Additional Provisions in 1963

In 1963, the United Nations introduced another related agreement known as the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. This focused on consular officers and their rights.

Under Article 36 of this agreement, if a foreign national is arrested, the host country must inform the person’s embassy without delay. Details such as the arrested person’s name, place of detention, and reason for arrest must also be shared.

India-Pakistan Understanding

In some cases, such as matters related to national security, terrorism, or espionage, the host country can deny diplomatic access to the arrested individual. This is allowed when both countries have a mutual agreement.

India and Pakistan signed such an agreement in 2008, which allows them to limit diplomatic access in sensitive national security cases.

Why India Sees It as a Violation

India believes Pakistan’s move to stop newspapers from reaching the Indian High Commission goes against the spirit of the Vienna Convention. The treaty guarantees free communication between diplomats and their home country, which includes the right to receive information without interference.

By restricting newspapers, India says Pakistan is not fulfilling its obligation to ensure unhindered functioning of the embassy. New Delhi has described it as an unnecessary and small-minded step that harms diplomatic goodwill.

The dispute over something as basic as newspaper delivery highlights the tense relations between India and Pakistan. While the Vienna Convention was designed to protect diplomatic rights and maintain respect between nations, such incidents show how political differences can influence even the smallest aspects of diplomacy.