Islamabad, Dec 4: Diplomats and foreigners residing in Islamabad are exasperated about the restrictions imposed on their movement outside the Pakistan capital due to security fears.

Almost all those embassies in Islamabad have directed their staffers, particularly those of foreign origin, not to leave the city citing security fears.

Foreigners, particularly those living with their families and who had planned trips to other parts of the country before the onset of winter, have described the situation as rather suffocating or boring.

During the National Day celebration of Romania at a local hotel, scores of embassy employees gave vent to their pent-up feelings.

A Saudi embassy official hoped that more good times (Khair) awaited Pakistan.

The gossip about curbs on the media, security fears and December 16 (the date on which Musharraf has hinted that emergency would be lifted) was too strong in the background that it almost took over the gala event arranged by Romanian Embassy.

"We had planned trips to Galiyat, Murree and Lahore just before the weather could get chilly, but we were not allowed to do so," the Dawn quoted an official of the German Embassy, as saying.

"Our movement was curtailed soon after the situation worsened in the tourists’ haven - Swat - due to rapid Talibanisation of the area," she was quoted, as saying.

"We have been asked to take extra care while moving even inside the capital, a city that is too lacklustre to bring smile to your face or relieve you of the loads of file work," said another diplomat. (ANI)