WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has reserved the decision onrestrictions placed on the movement of Pakistani diplomats in the UnitedStates, sources revealed on Monday.According to them, the decision will be made public on May 11.
The new restrictions were set to come into effect on May 1 but has beendelayed. No statement has been issued yet in this regard.Sources have also said that Pakistan had informed the Acting StateDepartment South and Central Asia Assistant Secretary Alice Wells of theirreservations on her recent trip.
Earlier this month, US Under Secretary of State for Political AffairsThomas Shannon said ‘reciprocal’ travel restrictions will be imposed onPakistani diplomats in the US.In an exclusive interview with Voice of America’s Uzbek Service, Shannonsaid: “Our diplomats are under travel restrictions.
They can travel further [than 40 kilometres], but they have to notify thegovernment of Pakistan. It’s very common in diplomacy”.When contacted, the US embassy declined to comment on the nature ofrestrictions and said, “We are not prepared to announce anything on thismatter.”
“What’s important here is that we’ve had some very fruitful conversationswith Pakistan about events inside of Afghanistan. It’s my hope that we’regoing to be able to build off those in a way that helps this broaderreconciliation process,” said the US diplomat when probed further.