Indian children won't go to Pakistan schools: Government

Chairman of a moderate faction of the All Parties Hurriyat (Freedom) Conference Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (C) speaks outside his home before being detained by the police at Nigeen in Srinagar yesterday.

New Delhi: Amidst growing strain in Indo-Pak ties, India yesterday advised its diplomats and officials posted in its High Commission in Islamabad to make arrangements for education of their wards outside Pakistan from this academic session, virtually downgrading it as a "non-school-going station".

Chairman of a moderate faction of the All Parties Hurriyat (Freedom) Conference Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (C) speaks outside his home before being detained by the police at Nigeen in Srinagar yesterday. Pic/AFP

The announcement came after a government's review of staffing and related policies for their diplomatic missions as also prevailing circumstances at the station.

MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, "It is normal practice for all countries to review staffing and related policies for their diplomatic missions, including in view of prevailing circumstances at those stations. With effect from this academic
session, officials posted in the High Commission of India in Islamabad have been advised to make arrangements for education of their wards outside Pakistan, till further notice."

According to MEA officials, there are about 50 school-going children of Indian officials, who are currently posted in Indian mission in Islamabad. This development amounts to "downgrade" of Pakistan as a "non-school-going station", an official said.