France to close Karachi consulate permanently after 5 decades of service
KARACHI – After five decades of diplomatic and consular services, France is set to close its Karachi consulate general, ending its presence in Pakistan’s economic hub.
The closure, announced by outgoing French ambassador Nicolas Guille, comes as questions are raised over France’s future diplomatic presence in Karachi, although cultural and business ties with Pakistan are expected to continue.
Outgoing French Ambassador to Pakistan Nicolas Guillaume said during a farewell ceremony in Karachi on Tuesday that the decision marks the permanent closure of the mission established in 1976. The announcement was made in a gathering organized by the Board of Management of the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum in collaboration with the Karachi Council of Foreign Relations. The ceremony also saw the departure of French Consul General Alexis Chahtahtinsky.
Gili said that the European Union would not cut off its broader ties with Pakistan despite the shutdown. France’s engagement will continue through Alliance Française and Pakistan France Business Alliance.
The decision to close the consulate caused disappointment among the participants of the farewell gathering. Ikram Sehgal, vice-chairman of the Karachi Council of Foreign Relations, questioned the move, arguing that the city’s growing economic and geopolitical importance should make it a prime location for deeper French engagement rather than a reduction in diplomatic outreach.
Pakistan and France have maintained diplomatic relations since Pakistan’s early years, with France establishing its diplomatic mission in Karachi in 1948. Over the decades, ties have expanded beyond diplomacy into trade, defense, education, culture, archaeology, development and climate cooperation.
A few years ago, Islamabad and Paris adopted a roadmap for bilateral cooperation including trade, science and technology, education, culture, defence, counter-terrorism, migration and climate change. Relations were strained in 2020-21 over France’s stance on cartoons and remarks by President Emmanuel Macron, but subsequent diplomatic engagements helped stabilize ties.
The post France will close Karachi consulate permanently after 5 decades of service appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.
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