Pak protests as diplomats not allowed to withdraw salary

New Delhi, December 3

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Pakistan has lodged a strong protest with India for not allowing its diplomats in the high commission here to withdraw their salaries.

Pakistan said not allowing its diplomats to draw their pay — given in US dollars — amounted to breach of Vienna Protocol and warned that it may consider taking similar action against India’s diplomats in the country.

The diplomats had their salary accounts in RBL Bank, a private Indian bank.

"We are not allowed to withdraw our own salary. It is not a demonetisation: it appears that it is done more at the instructions of the Indian government," a senior Pakistan High Commission said.

Although India has yet to give its official reaction, government officials said that it was a problem that had to be resolved by the parties concerned and the bank and that the central government had no role in it.

Diplomats can draw their tax-free salaries in dollars. They have to state their reasons for withdrawing salaries only beyond $ 5,000.

According to Pakistan High Commission officials, they are not being allowed to withdraw their salaries and have been asked for 'letters of purpose' for withdrawing money, regardless of the sum.

Incidentally, demonetisation has led to a sharp spike in demand for dollars and other foreign currency, making it scarce. — PTI