ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has strongly condemned Germany’s failure to protect its consulate in Frankfurt from a violent attack by protesters. The Pakistani foreign ministry described the attackers as “a gang of extremists” and criticized the security lapse that endangered the lives of consulate staff.
Incident Details
On Saturday, protesters, reportedly carrying Afghanistan’s national flag, stormed the Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt. Footage from social media shows the protesters breaching the consulate’s fence, vandalizing the building, and removing the Pakistani flag. They were also seen shouting abuses and throwing stones. The exact reasons for the protest remain unclear.
Pakistan’s Response
In response, Pakistan issued a statement demanding that Germany take immediate action to fulfill its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which requires the protection of diplomatic missions. Pakistani officials have urged Germany to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attack and address the security breach.
Diplomatic Reactions
The Pakistani Embassy in Berlin condemned the attack as a “reprehensible vandalizing act” and is working with German authorities to ensure legal consequences for the perpetrators. The embassy has also called for calm among Pakistani nationals in Germany.
German Authorities’ Response
The German government has not yet issued a response to Pakistan’s condemnation. Meanwhile, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has announced plans to resume deportations of criminals to Afghanistan, following recent criminal activities involving Afghan asylum-seekers.
Consulate Closures
On July 8, Germany briefly closed its consulate in Karachi due to “imminent security concerns,” though it resumed operations shortly afterward. This closure had been surprising and concerning for Pakistani officials, who emphasized the importance of consular services for business and diplomatic relations.
