IT would seem to be open season on embassies' expanding in Islamabad after getting easy access to prime land courtesy a compliant CDA. However, the news of the Indians expanding their embassy should be a cause for concern on a number of counts. To begin with, what is the need for the Indians to expand their embassy given how all dialogue and expansion of relations between Pakistan and India are at a standstill? With India maintaining an intransigent posture on renewal of dialogue and an aggressive stance on the Mumbai terrorism, the possibility of increased interaction between the two countries seems to have effectively been put on the backburner. So it would appear a trifle absurd to have more Indian diplomats and covert operatives coming in to Islamabad. Equally disturbing is the news that Indian commandos and security guards will also be deployed. Given that the security of diplomats and missions is the responsibility of the host government, it is inexplicable why Pakistan would accede to the Indian design of bringing in their commandos and guards. Already, we have gone against international diplomatic conventions in allowing the US their marines and other armed personnel. To allow Indian commandos and guards - probably covert operatives - when we have already admitted to Indian destabilisation in Balochistan seems to reveal a suicidal bent on the part of the Pakistani government. With US marines and the rechristened Blackwater (as Xe Worldwide) already causing fears amid the residents, Indian commandos would add to the security mess prevailing in the capital. The free-wheeling approach adopted by the government in relation to all manner of armed foreigners coming into Islamabad borders on an underlying anarchy in decision-making. Given how President Zardari is so keen to involve Parliament in issues relating to Balochistan and food security, perhaps it is time decisions relating to foreign embassies not only expanding but bringing their own armed personnel should also be put before parliament which can make a unified policy recommendation based on the relevant international laws and norms. Pakistan's complicated security situation demands nothing less.