Visa remains an issue of concern with Pakistan: US

The US plans to increase its aid workers and embassy staff in Pakistan remains stalled, with Washington expressing concern at the continued delay in issuance and extending of visas for hundreds of its officials. "I think it remains an issue of concern that we are continuing to talk to the government of Pakistan about," Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs P J Crowley told reporters at his daily news conference in Washington.

For the past several months US diplomats have been complaining that their officials and contractors have not been issued new visas or their visas are not being extended resulting in heightened tension between

the two countries. Last month the State Department said the issue is being taken up at the highest level. As the US prepares to increase its aid to Pakistan, it is also planning to increase its embassy staff so as to effectively monitor its civilian aid in the country.

The ties between the two nations were strained last week after a US Consulate vehicle and its employees were detained while travelling in the southwestern port city Gwadar. Following the incident, the US had expressed concern over the "continued provocative actions and false allegations" against its personnel in Pakistan and sought immediate action to allow them to operate with full security.