Pakistan ranked 28th among 61 countries in number of diplomatic missions
- China tops the chart with 276 diplomatic posts, while the US stands at number two position with 273 such posts.
- In 2017, Pakistan was placed at 27th position with 116 missions worldwide.
- India managed to make it to the 12th position as it has 186 diplomatic posts globally.
(Karachi) Pakistan has been ranked as 28th among 61 countries with diplomatic posts around the world, a report published by an Australian think tank transpired. The new ranking shows Pakistan’s initiative to grow its international relations and ties with other countries on the diplomatic front.
The report of the Global Diplomacy Index Rating 2019 published by Lowy Institute identified Pakistan’s ranking from the number of embassies and consulates established in different countries. It has been placed at number six in the Asian ranking.
Pakistan set up at least 117 diplomatic posts that involved 85 high commissions and 30 consulate-generals. It also has two permanent missions round the globe. However, the 2017 report of the think tank had placed Pakistan at 27th rank, one position higher than the present one.
In the same year, Pakistan had 85 embassies, 29 consulates and two permanent missions. Its Asian ranking remained unchanged as it was placed at sixth position.
Likewise, Pakistan’s arch rival India has managed to make it to the 12th position in the overall rating as it has approximately 186 diplomatic posts, including embassies and consulates worldwide. The Australian think tank placed India at number three in the Asian ranking with 56 high commissions and five permanent positions.
In the G20 ranking, India is at number 11, while Pakistan has no ranking in the said category, the data stated.
Meanwhile, the Lowy Institute placed China on number one position with 276 diplomatic posts globally. The United States has been ranked at number two with 273 such posts. China has 169 embassies around the world, while US lags one place behind with 168 embassies.
As far as consulates are concerned, China takes the lead against Washington with 96 of them while US has 88 consulates worldwide.
China also tops the G20 and Asian rankings while United States managed to maintain second position in G20 ranking and acquired first place in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) rank.
Diplomacy plays a major role in managing a country’s international relations. It forms the basis of travel, trade and investment between the countries.
Pakistan has a large network of diplomats and extensive presence of diplomatic missions around the world. However, it needs to ensure its national security in all its dimensions, including political, economic and military.
In the last few years, Pakistan has considerably improved its ranking in the global index and continues to grow its foreign ties with other states. The new initiatives by the present government did help a great deal to boost the economy and strengthen relations with other countries.
This has helped in bringing investment, economic uplift and supported in portraying a softer image of the country to the world.