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Journalism of Courage
US authorities have complained to Pakistans Foreign Office about the alleged harassment of American diplomatic staff and expressed concern at inaction on an earlier complaint lodged two years ago.
In a letter to the Foreign Office earlier this month,the US administration updated Pakistani authorities on the alleged harassment of staff of its embassy and consulates. The matter is likely to be taken up when the two sides meet for talks next month,The Express Tribune reported Monday.
After receiving the latest complaint,Pakistans Foreign Ministry sent a circular to all provincial governments,the federal Interior Ministry and law enforcement agencies and asked them to take immediate remedial steps. In January 2010,the US embassy had lodged a similar complaint,saying that its diplomatic staff were being harassed and detained while travelling around Pakistan.
The daily quoted unnamed US officials as saying that they need to increase staff at the embassy to help disburse aid worth $7.5 billion to Pakistan. American diplomats complain of delays in approving and extending visas and of being detained at check points.
However,many Pakistanis harbouring anti-US sentiments allege America is sending spies to Pakistan,the report said. In January 2010,US authorities had issued a statement in which they expressed concern about false allegations against US personnel working to forge a partnership between the two countries.
