ISLAMABAD, Dec 24: Pakistan on Monday categorically rejected Indian allegations against Mohammad Sharif Khan, a staffer of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

A statement issued by the Foreign Office strongly refuted the allegations against Mr Sharif that he was involved in procurement of sensitive documents relating to defence, atomic energy, nuclear research, ship design and security of the Indian parliament.

“These absurd Indian allegations represent yet another desperate attempt to implicate Pakistan in the Dec 13 terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament” the statement said.

It may be recalled that Mr Sharif was abducted by Indian intelligence operatives on Dec 22 while shopping in Karol Bagh market of New Delhi. Later, the Indian officials subjected Mr Sharif to severe beating and torture during his five-hour illegal detention.

The Government of Pakistan lodged a strong protest with India on Dec 23 for the brutal treatment meted out to its official in Indian capital and asked for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Pakistan’s deputy high commissioner in New Delhi was summoned to the ministry of external affairs on Monday afternoon and informed about the Indian government’s decision to declare Mr Sharif as persona non grata.

Accordingly, Mr Sharif has been asked to leave India within seven days. The deputy high commissioner rejected the baseless and concocted Indian allegations against the Pakistani official, the statement concluded.

TWO KILLED: Two civilians embraced shahadat while four children sustained injuries in unprovoked Indian firing and shelling in Cheri Kot sub-sector of Rawalkot sector on Monday, according to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations, adds APP.

A child girl is said to be in critical condition. Private property was also badly damaged due to shelling. Pakistan Army promptly responded by targeting enemy’s bunkers and silenced enemy guns, the release said.

All injured persons are being treated in a nearby hospital.