The Consulate General of France in Karachi will soon be closed permanently, the French Ambassador to Pakistan Nicolas Galey announced on Tuesday after 50 years of service.
Galey made the announcement during a farewell function organised by the Board of Management of the Quaid-i-Azam House Museum in collaboration with the Karachi Council of Foreign Relations and French Consul General in Karachi Alexis Chahtahtinsky.
Galey, who has spent nearly five years in Pakistan, said he was “disappointed” to leave the country, especially because he was leaving as the Karachi consulate was being shut down, which was established in 1976.
He commended Karachi for its development and vibrancy, and expressed his gratitude to Chahtahtinsky for his contributions during his time.
The Pakistan France Business Alliance is the other organisation working as France’s “flagship” organisation in the city, said Galey, who added that the Alliance Française would keep its operations as usual.
Chahtahtinsky, who is leaving Pakistan on September 1, said that he was leaving Karachi with nice memories of Karachi.
He told the reporters that he had fallen in love with Pakistan when he visited the country as a student in 1983 and had a particular love for the northern areas.
He said that Karachi was the economic hub and gateway of Pakistan and after four years as consul general, the city occupied a special place in his heart.
Chahtahtinsky also said that Pakistan’s diplomatic role was increasing and that it was no longer a problem but “part of the solution” due to its mediation efforts.
In his remarks at the event, Vice Chairman, Karachi Council of Foreign Relations (KCFR), Ikram Sehgal noted France’s history of defence relations with Pakistan, such as the Agosta class of submarines and Mirage aircraft.
He criticised the closure and noted that France could have taken advantage of new trade and geopolitical prospects in the country, especially when it comes to the country’s expected regional role.
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