Islamabad: Pakistan has proposed to India restoration of full strength of 110 staff members each at the diplomatic missions in both the countries to meet the growing rush for visas.

The full diplomatic staff strength of Pakistan's High Commission in New Delhi and India's High Commission in Islamabad should be restored on reciprocal basis to 110 each, which was the situation in December 2001, Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement.

"Pakistan formally made this proposal on May 6, October 29 and on November 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," it said.

The statement said the 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 January 1, 2004, and in anticipation of the resumption of Samjhauta 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," it said.

PTI