OF THE
TIMES
Pakistan on Friday slapped reciprocal travel restrictions on U.S. diplomats stationed in Pakistani cities, a tit-for-tat move that is likely to put further strain on already icy relations between the two former allies in the so-called war on terror, officials and local media reported.
The move came hours after the Trump administration imposed a ban on the movement of Pakistan diplomats stationed in the U.S., forcing them to stay within 40 kilometers (25 miles) of the cities where they are posted.
...
According to a Foreign Ministry notification, U.S. diplomats will now face similar travel restrictions in Pakistan. Also, they will no longer enjoy special treatment at the airport or in general.
Apart from that, the diplomats will be unable to use tinted glass on their official vehicles or use diplomatic registration plates on their private vehicles.
All diplomatic cargo will be strictly checked at the airports, and U.S. diplomats will be unable to use biometrically unverified cellphone sims, according to the notification.
Moreover, U.S. diplomats will need a non-objection certificate from the Interior Ministry before renting any property, local broadcaster ARY News reported.
This is a "gruesome and unfortunate propaganda attempt" on part of al-Qaeda, deputy White House press secretary Raj Shah told reporters on Monday, adding that Syria has the "right to defend itself."The difference, of course, is that it would be true in reference to Syria. It is not true in reference to Israel. Killing children and journalists with sniper fire, and hitting unarmed protesters in the knees with exploding rounds, is not "defending" oneself.
"We believe that al-Qaeda as an organization is engaged in cynical action leading to these deaths," Shah added.
Comment: In other words, not a Maidan. See also: Armenia isn't undergoing a color revolution - Armenians are just fed up with Sargsyan