Pak govt puts riders on foreign diplomats’ unfettered movements across set boundaries

ISLAMABAD - The Pakistan government has issued directives to foreign diplomats to seek official permission for movement beyond prescribed limits.

According to sources, the government has decided that the foreign diplomats present in the country must obtain permission from Interior Ministry, through the Foreign Affairs Ministry, for moving to places beyond the set boundaries.

The decision, which is in line with the Vienna Convention, was made at an Interior Ministry meeting to ensure appropriate security arrangements for diplomats, The Daily Times reports.

During the meeting, which was presided over by Interior Minister Rehman Malik, it was also decided that the use of vehicles by diplomats must be in line with the prescribed procedure.

“All diplomats would be provided a certificate with the desired details for each of their vehicles,” a press release, issued after the meeting, said.

The country’s visa policies were also discussed during the meeting, where it was decided that the concerned authorities would maintain a computerised record of visitors to the country.

“The meeting revisited the visa policy, and decided that a foolproof system of entries related to stay, overstay and departure would be maintained. Applicants would have to mention necessary particulars along with the purpose of visit and sponsorship,” the press release added. (ANI)