The German consulate in Karachi, located in southern Pakistan, has announced the suspension of its visa services for non-European Union (EU) citizens, citing significant security concerns. This decision comes in the wake of a recent escalation in militant violence across Pakistan, particularly targeting foreign nationals and security personnel. The consulate made the announcement via a statement released on Monday, highlighting the immediate need to address these security threats.
Recent Incidents of Violence
The suspension follows several alarming incidents in Karachi and other regions. On Sunday, unidentified militants assassinated a senior counter-terrorism official. Additionally, in April, five Japanese workers narrowly avoided a suicide attack in the city. While no group has claimed responsibility for these specific attacks, they contribute to a growing climate of insecurity.
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Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in militant attacks since the Pakistani Taliban ended their fragile truce with the government in November 2022. The violence has predominantly affected the western provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, but the impact is now spreading to urban centers like Karachi. Insurgents have also targeted Chinese nationals working on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, further heightening security concerns for foreign nationals in the country.
Impact on Visa Services
In light of these imminent security threats, the German consulate in Karachi has ceased processing new visa applications for non-EU citizens. However, those who have already been issued visas can still collect them from the consulate. The sudden closure has caused uncertainty for many Pakistani citizens, including students, business travelers, and tourists, who are now unsure about their travel plans and visa applications.
Consulate’s Response
The consulate has provided minimal details regarding the specific nature of the security concerns or a timeline for when services might resume. “Due to imminent security concerns, the Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany will remain closed for services of non-EU citizens until further notice,” read the consulate’s statement. The spokesperson for the consulate did not elaborate on the nature of the threats but urged affected individuals to stay updated through official communication channels.
Broader Security Context
This suspension is part of a broader security strategy in response to increasing militant activities in Pakistan. Islamabad has blamed the surge in violence on militants operating from neighboring Afghanistan, a claim Kabul denies, attributing the violence to Pakistan’s internal issues.
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In recent months, insurgent attacks have increasingly targeted Chinese workers involved in CPEC projects. Notable incidents include the March bombing that killed five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver, and attacks on a strategic port and naval air base in Balochistan, claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).