Pakistan fails to find place for its Consulate in Mumbai

Pakistan has failed to find a place for its Consulate in Mumbai, putting a question mark on early fructification of plans by the two countries to reopen their missions in each other's commercial capitals.

Pakistan had identified three properties for establishing its Consulate in Mumbai but has found none feasible.

In one case, agreement was cancelled even after lease deed had been signed and advance paid, Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner Afrasiab told journalists here today.

The two countries had decided to reopen their Consulates in Mumbai and Karachi by January 2006, more than a decade after these were shut down in the midst of heightening tensions.

"Both the governments are eager to reopen their consulates in Mumbai and Karachi," Afrasiab said.

India, which already has the premises in Karachi, had refurbished it by December 2005.

However, Pakistan has been unable to find a place despite Maharashtra government helping it at the behest of the the External Affairs Ministry. Considering that reopening of the missions is reciprocal, India cannot reopen its Consulate in Karachi till Pakistan does the same in Mumbai.

Afrasiab said Pakistan High Commission continues to hunt for a suitable place to establish its Consulate in Mumbai.

Inability of Pakistan to find a suitable place for its Consulate in Mumbai reflects the trust deficit among the people, he said, adding this situation needed to be corrected.

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