Hope Pakistan-US diplomatic row is resolved soon: Aizaz Chaudhry

WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s ambassador to the US Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry says that Pakistan accords due respects to its diplomats in Pakistan and expects reciprocation over the issue.

Aizaz told media in Washington that both countries are making efforts to resolve their differences over the issue of diplomats and that a mechanism has been devised to overcome hurdles.

Pakistan’s foreign minister had earlier announced ‘reciprocal’ travel restrictions on US diplomats after Pakistani diplomats in the US were notified of the same.

A letter was also sent to the US embassy in Islamabad, notifying diplomats about their travel restrictions.

In addition to the travelling restrictions, US diplomats must also follow other directives. These include following Vienna Convention Article 27 for US diplomatic cargo (no exemption from scanning), procuring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before installing radio communications at residences and while renting property.

In addition, use of non-verified SIM cards or tinted windows on official vehicles would also not be allowed.

Furthermore, additional restrictions have been placed over the use of non-diplomatic number plates on official vehicles, overstaying visa periods, utilisation of multiple passports or using diplomatic number places on rented vehicles.

Earlier, Pakistani diplomats in the US were notified that they must obtain prior permission for travel beyond a 40 km radius of their embassies/consulates.