I am starting this thread for news analysis. Participation from other members is highly encouraged. However for effectiveness, participants are encouraged to follow these rules:

• Self generated news analysis
• No copy paste
• Facutal and argumentative
• Conciese and precise;

regards.



News: Paksitan conditioned move of diplomats with NOC

According to news reports, the Pakistan government has asked all diplomats in the country to obtain NOC prior to moving out-station. The move is widely seen as restricting the movement of foreign agents freely within the country, ostensibly, without the approval of the government.

Government Viewpoint:

The government of Pakistan is of the view that the measure has been taken to enhaunce the security of diplomates rather than restricting them. On the other hand, the measure is belived to be taken to contain CIA activities within the country and said to be voilating Viana Convention on Diplomatic Relation 1961.

Anlysis/Implication:

It must be noted that the decision has came out in the aftermath of OBL operation and subsequent emerging detailes of CIA web in Pakistan. Apparently, the Pakistani authorities do not want other agents to make an independent network of their own which undermines the national security and is a threat to the country.

However, the decision is considered a bit harsh given the economic, security and political challenges facing the country. It may marginalise the country a bit further on international front.

Pak US relation may deteriorate further as the decision is being taken as US centric, though applied to all diplomats. According to Daily Dawn, there has been some speculation about Pakistan being taged as "roug" state which implies that the diplomates of Pakistan would not be able to leave washington and visit any area without prior approval. Though the notion has been rejected by the US government however it could be on the cards. This seems a true tit-for-tat scenario. If such a scenario develops Pakistan has to face humilitation on international front. This may further deteriorate the relation which are already in jeopardy after the May incidents and suspension of some of the military aid.

Suggestion:

Given the current challenges, Pakistan is facing, and the state of Pak US relation as well as Pakistan's international image, the decision may prove counterproductive. Instead of restricting all the movements and making it conditional, a frame work can be developed whereby the ambassadors as well as their higher level staff memeber be exempted from this condition. Moreover, visa issuance process needs to be tackled seriosly and cautiously so that "doubtful persons" can be filtered out.

Any decision must be coincide with the international law and national interests - security, economic, military and good will at international level.