*WASHINGTON: In a major development, Washington on Wednesday liftedrestrictions on the movement of Pakistani diplomats and officials in theUnited States (US) *
Sources said that the Pakistani diplomatic staff had to take permission atleast five days ahead from the US authorities if they needed to traveloutside of the imposed 25 miles radius. Now, the Pakistani diplomats couldtravel in the US without any hurdle, said the sources.
The US had imposed travel restrictions on Pakistani diplomats, officialsand their family members last year on May 11.
Earlier on May 11, soon after following the implementation of U.Srestrictions on Pakistani diplomats, the Foreign Ministry had announced‘reciprocal’ travel restrictions on U.S. diplomats.
Pakistani authorities had sent a letter to the U.S embassy in Islamabadnotifying them about the travel restrictions on the movement of U.S.diplomats in the country.
Other than travelling limitation, rest of the measures had announced by theForeign Ministry of Pakistan include treating US diplomatic cargo atPakistani airports and ports in accordance with Vienna Convention’s Article27 (which does not provide for an exemption from scanning) and taking noobjection certificate (NOC) from the ministry before installing radiocommunication at residences, and while moving or renting property.