Two US Consulate employees arrested in Pakistan amid heightened diplomatic row

Lahore, Jan. 9 (ANI): Two Pakistani employees of the US Consulate, who were earlier held for driving vehicles bearing fake licence plates, have been arrested in Karachi again.

Ghulam Jilani and Mazhar Ali were arrested as they arrived in the city on a visit, the purpose of which has yet to be ascertained.

On Thursday, the US took strong exception to the "continued provocative actions and false allegations against its personnel" by Pakistani law enforcement authorities.

Meanwhile, the Senate's Standing Committee on Interior has expressed dismay over the unlawful movement of diplomatic and non-diplomatic staff of foreign missions in Pakistan.

Committee Chairman Talha Mehmood asked diplomats to observe diplomatic norms and urged the government to take the matter seriously.

"Can US allow Pakistani diplomats to use private vehicles and move anywhere in their country?" he asked.

He said American interference in Pakistan had increased and it was imperative to put an end to it for the security, integrity and sovereignty of the country.

"We have to re-draft our foreign policy. National interest, esteem and sovereignty should be kept on top while dealing with other countries," he said. (ANI)