Imposing new restrictions on the movement of Indian diplomats, Pakistan has barred them from travelling out of Islamabad without prior permission.

As per the fresh directive, Indian diplomats will not be able to go even to Rawalpindi, just 15 minutes drive from the capital, or the nearby holiday resort of Murree as they could till now as per an agreement.

The move comes a week after Pakistan said its diplomats were not being allowed to move out of New Delhi and visit its satellite townships like Noida and Gurgaon.

Pakistan Foreign Office has informed the Indian High Commission a few days ago that the diplomats and the staff of the mission would have to obtain prior permission to visit 'Pindi', as the historic town of Rawalpindi was known, a senior Indian official said in Islamabad.

They have also been asked to take permission to visit Murree, a hill resort about 50 km from Islamabad, where the Indian Mission has a guesthouse frequented by its staff and their families, the official said.

The Indians could go to airport located near Pindi, but have to take permission to go the bus station to catch a bus to Wagah border, a cheap mode of travelling home.