December 5, 2003	Friday	Shawwal 10, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 4: Pakistan on Thursday proposed India to restore the strength of full diplomatic staff at their respective high commissions.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office in a statement issued here said that Pakistan had once again proposed that the staff strength of the Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi and the Indian’s High Commission in Islamabad should be restored on reciprocal basis to 110 each, which was the situation in December 2001.

The spokesman said: “Pakistan formally made this proposal on May 6, Oct 29, and on Nov 23 this year as well as on several other occasions.”

“Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, while announcing Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) on Nov 23, had proposed that the staff strength of the two high commissions should be fully restored to make the missions effective,” the spokesman added.

The spokesman said that acceptance of this proposal by India has become all the more important and urgent because of the agreement on restoration of air links between the two countries from Jan 1, 2004, and in anticipation of the resumption of Samjhota Express train service.

“Restoration of the full staff strength of the High Commissions will facilitate speedy processing and grant of visas to nationals of the two countries who intend to travel by air, road or railway,” the spokesman said.

He said: “Pakistan awaits a positive response from the Government of India to this proposal.”—APP