Report: Pakistan harassing U.S. officials

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WASHINGTON, June 22 (UPI) -- The level at which Pakistani authorities are interfering with the work of U.S. diplomats in the country is "an endemic problem," a U.S. government report said.

A 76-page report from the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of Governors found harassment by Pakistani authorities was interfering in day-to-day operations for U.S. diplomats.

"Official Pakistani obstructionism and harassment, an endemic problem in Pakistan, has increased to the point where it is significantly impairing mission operations and program implementation," the report read.

The report said U.S. officials working in Pakistan were subjected to "unusual" harassment that the inspector general described as "deliberate, willful and systematic." While other foreign diplomats experienced similar treatment, the report found that U.S. officials were the principal targets.

Islamabad's frustration with Washington grew following the May 2011 raid in Pakistan that killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. Ties were strained further when a raid involving U.S. troops along the border with Afghanistan left 24 Pakistani soldiers dead.

Recent allegations that Pakistani intelligence figures are tied to the Taliban added to the tensions.

The inspector general report said the level of harassment reached a new level of intensity following the May 2011 raid.

"The issue of harassment must be made an integral part of high-level policy discussions with the Pakistani government regarding the future of the bilateral relationship," the report recommended.