Washington (May 01, 2018): The United States has delayed its decision to restrict the movement of Pakistani diplomats in America as both countries try to resolve the differences that have strained their relations till May 11.
Last week, a spokesman for Pakistan’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs confirmed that the United States planned to impose new restrictions on its diplomats. Recent reports in the Pakistani media suggest that the US government has already alerted Pakistani authorities of its plan to do so.
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According to a notification sent to the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, Pakistani diplomats in the US capital and at consulates in other cities would be barred from travelling more than 40 kilometres from their posts without prior permission.
Sources said that Media reports earlier claimed restrictions could take effect as early as May 1, unless “certain issues” were resolved before that, however the decision had now been delayed, till May 11, as both sides were engaged in efforts to remove their differences.
The efforts focus on some recent developments in Islamabad where US diplomats and visitors to US Embassy and consulates are facing additional security measures.
Pakistan has prevented foreigners, including diplomats, from travelling to certain areas, such as Fata. Karachi and some areas of Balochistan have also been added to the list following continued militant attacks on both Pakistani and foreign targets.
Visitors to the US missions in Pakistan also have to go through strict security and identification routines. Pakistan argues that such measures aim at enhancing the security of foreign missions and their employees and have no other motive.
But Americans appear particularly upset with a new practice, applying the same security measures to those invited by the US missions or diplomats to their offices and homes.
Previously, such guests only had to go through metal detection devices and a quick frisking to ensure they were not carrying weapons. They were not asked to show identity papers or disclose the purpose of their visit, as they are now.
Americans complain that sometimes Pakistanis working for the US Embassy and consulates also face unnecessary interrogation, as do the embassy’s guests.
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