ISLAMABAD, May 18 A business-cum-recreational trip turned unpleasant for 24 foreign diplomats, a number of ambassadors among them, when they were stranded in Skardu because of inclement weather.

The diplomats had travelled to the capital of Baltistan on the invitation of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry for a conference on investment opportunities in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The diplomats currently lodged at one of the luxury resorts include ambassadors and high commissioners from Brunei, Iran, South Korea, the Philippines, Italy, Bahrain, Sudan, Indonesia, Czech Republic, Russia, Nepal, Tunisia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Bulgaria, Afghanistan, Romania, Jordan and Bangladesh and other senior diplomats.

Besides attending the conference, the group visited Satpara Lake, Katchura Lake, Shigar Fort, Skardu Bazaar (Yadgar Chowk) and Khaplu.

They were to return to Islamabad on Sunday, but cancellation of flights has left them stranded.

However, their host LCCI President Zafar Iqbal, who was not interested in visiting picnic spots with his guests, had come back before the cancellation of flights.

The diplomats made several calls to the Foreign Office on Tuesday, seeking help for an early return.

But the Foreign Office clearly appeared disinterested in making special arrangements because the tour had not been planned in consultation with it.