Pakistan Set to Impose Restrictions on US Diplomats as Tensions Escalate

The relations between Pakistan and the United States have escalated recently resulting in more restrictions on diplomats. The US recently barred Pakistani diplomats from freely moving in America outside a specific radius. Before that, Pakistan also restricted the US diplomats from visiting several areas of the country due to “security concerns”.

The ban on Pakistani diplomats going outside a 40-kilometre radius will go into effect sometime today. There are reports that Pakistan will respond in a similar way by restricting the US diplomats from freely moving in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already sent a letter to the US Embassy in Pakistan saying the Consulate and Embassy vehicles will no longer have tinted glass and local number plates. Here is the official letter sent to the US Embassy in Islamabad stating all the restrictions that Pakistan has put on the US diplomats.

On the other hand, the US lawmakers warned Donald Trump that banning Pakistani diplomats from freely moving in the country won’t be a smart move.

The US Lawmakers

Congressman Donald Norcross, a New Jersey Democrat spoke at the Pakistani American Congress meeting saying;

The important thing is to have dialogue. And if (by imposing those restrictions) we are inhibiting conversation, I do not think that’s a smart thing to do.

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Congressman Thomas R. Suozzi, another Democrat from New York added;

Everyone is focused now on the Afghan-Pakistan border, not Kashmir. We now need the civilian government to be stronger than they have been before.

The apparent reason behind the US’ salty behavior towards Pakistan seems to be its lack of control in Afghanistan. America has somewhat failed to gain full control in Afghanistan despite staying there for more than a decade. At this time, the US is trying to divert attention by making Pakistan the scapegoat for its own policy failures.

Anyway, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhary also spoke saying;

We do understand the war in Afghanistan is not winding down and we also understand that President Trump has set a deadline. Pakistan too wants peace in Afghanistan. We share the same objectives.

Talking bluntly about the Kashmir issue, the Ambassador further added;

I believe the US has emboldened India to take a heavy-handed approach in Kashmir.

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Sardar Masood Khan, who was also a speaker at the meeting, deliberated his views as well. The President told that North-South Korea peacemaking means Kashmir dispute also has a chance of resolution.