Pak needs more diplomats to counter India's onslaught

Islamabad, Jan 12 (ANI): Pakistan needs more diplomats and missions abroad to counter India's charge in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, according to a foreign Office document.

The number of Pakistani diplomatic missions is almost half of India's 163 missions across the globe, with the country in dire need of a strong team to deal with an Indian diplomatic onslaught, the Daily Times reported.

The document shows that Pakistan has 117 missions abroad -- 87 embassies and 30 other missions -- while India has 123 embassies and 39 other missions.

Even countries like Egypt, Turkey and Mexico have a greater number of diplomatic delegations compared to Pakistan.

Pakistan also lags behind India when it comes to cadre strength. Pakistan has 513 members, while India has 800 deployed at these missions - a difference of 287.

The number of Pakistani members also diminishes when compared to other countries such as Mexico, Malaysia, Egypt and Turkey.

The document shows that the total number of officers and staff of the Foreign Office is 2,724 - with 168 officers and 1,000 other staff members working at the headquarters in Pakistan.

The figure stood at 2,988 in 1977 - with 174 officers and 1,127 other staff members working at the headquarters.

However, the strength of officers working with all missions abroad has increased by 45 compared to 1977.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, which met last week to discuss the country's foreign policy, has expressed concern over the strength of the country's diplomatic missions.

The committee is of the view that Pakistan should have a strong presence at the diplomatic front to counter the Indian diplomatic onslaught.

It believes that Pakistan has not responded properly the 'Indian aggression' after the Mumbai attacks. (ANI)