09 Jul 2024 | 06:19 AM UTC
Pakistan: German Consulate in Karachi indefinitely suspends services for non-EU citizens as of July 9
German Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, suspends services for non-EU nationals indefinitely as of July 9 due to security concerns.
As of July 9, the German Consulate in Karachi has indefinitely suspended services for non-EU nationals, citing security concerns. Officials announced the closure the previous day but did not elaborate on the nature of the threat(s). Collection of previously issued visas for non-EU citizens and services for EU citizens continue in Karachi. Operations at the German Embassy in Islamabad also remain unaffected.
Follow all official instructions. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations. Ensure contingency plans account for disruptions to consular support.
The closure may be in response to the ongoing threat of terrorism and/or civil unrest.
The threat of terrorism remains high in Pakistan. Known and specific threats include the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and separatist groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The most notable threat is from the TTP. Although the TTP typically carries out small-scale attacks on security and/or government personnel in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, it has the capacity to plan and stage mass casualty attacks in cities across the country. There is also an elevated risk of militant attacks targeting Shi'a Muslim observances during the ongoing Muharram month.
Additional rallies by various opposition parties, trade unions, and civil groups over ongoing utility shortages, and denouncing ongoing conflict in Gaza are also likely in the coming weeks. Disruptive and violent protests cannot be ruled out in major cities like Karachi.
