KARACHI, Dec 7: The Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan Mr Shev Shankar Menon on Wednesday said that his country was all set to open its diplomatic office in Karachi in January, but before doing so, it would consult the Pakistani authorities as well.

Talking to newsmen after the inaugural ceremony of the international book fair at the Expo Centre here, he said that the repair and restoration work at the India House had almost been completed.

“The purpose of my current visit to Karachi is to review the preparations made so far and now I hope that the process for the issuance of Indian visas at Karachi can also be started in January.”

However, he added, as per the understanding developed between leaders of the two countries, the opening of the diplomatic offices at Karachi and Mumbai and processing of visa cases were to take place simultaneously in the two cities.

In reply to a question, he said that the impression that the process of dialogue between the two countries had hit any snag was incorrect and he would like to say that things were on normal pace.

He said that efforts were also under way to reopen the Khokhrapar-Monabao route and there was a likelihood of the reopening sometime in January.

He said that the matters relating to the issuance of visas and opening of border would be reviewed by the high-ups of the foreign offices of two countries soon for finalization of dates.