Germany shuts down its consulate in Karachi over security

The German consulate in Karachi has suspended its services for non-European Union (EU) citizens due to "security concerns," reported 24NewsHD TV Channel on Tuesday. 

According to the German consulate's statement, "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. 

The German consulate said, "Already issued visas for non-EU citizens can be picked up." 

A spokesperson for the consulate did not provide further details about the nature of the security threats.

Recently, Germany launched an Opportunity Card to attract skilled workers from outside the EU, allowing them to seek employment for up to a year if they meet the criteria.

Germany remains a popular destination for international students, including those from Pakistan, and several Pakistani applicants are currently awaiting visa interview appointments.

The German consulate's decision comes amid a renewed wave of militant violence in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, which has seen attacks on foreign nationals.

In a recent incident, unidentified militants shot dead a senior counter-terrorism official, while in April, five Japanese workers narrowly escaped a suicide attack in the city.

Insurgents have also targeted Chinese workers involved in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects in March 2024. 

Pakistan has seen an increase in militant attacks, particularly in the western provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. 

Islamabad has attributed the surge in violence to militants operating from neighbouring Afghanistan.