Kathmandu Jan 5: Nepal today told a Pakistani Embassy junior functionary to leave for home within 72 hours “on account of his involvement in an activity incompatible with his status”.

His Majesty’s Government also sought Pakistan’s “understanding and cooperation on this matter”, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

His Majesty’s Government of Nepal today called the Pakistani Ambassador Ms. Fauzia Nasreen to the Foreign Office and informed her of the host government’s decision to declare Asim Saboor, who enjoyed diplomatic status, persona non grata. As per the government’s decision, Saboor should leave Nepal by Saturday afternoon.

The government came to the final conclusion after a 72-hour stalemate asking Pakistan to waive diplomatic immunity for Saboor to start criminal probe under Nepali penal code for illegal dealing in fake currency. Pakistan did not comply. Saboor was caught red-handed in a sting police undercover operation dealing in counterfeit Indian currency notes in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, this week.

Nepal police handed over Saboor to the Pakistan Embassy at 7:25 A.M this morning after lengthy questioning protested by the Pakistani Embassy, a Pakistani Embassy statement said.

Pakistan has recalled Saboor while deciding not to lift the diplomatic immunity as requested by the host government, a Pakistani Embassy press release also said.

The Pakistani Embassy claimed in a press statement today that the arrest of Saboor was “against established diplomatic norms and practices.”