French Consul General Alexis Chahtahtinsky on Wednesday announced the closure of the French diplomatic mission in Karachi, saying the decision had been taken by the French government solely for budgetary reasons.
“We shall continue deepening our relationship with Pakistan, primarily through our Embassy in Islamabad, while the French presence in Karachi will remain, relying on three pillars: the new Honorary Consul General, who shall perform consular duties and remain in touch with the provincial governments; the Pakistan France Business Alliance (PFBA), which will continue actively promoting business and trade; and Alliance Française, the French Cultural Centre, which will continue to play its full role in promoting the French language and culture in this vibrant city,” Chahtahtinsky said while addressing a ceremony held to mark French National Day, also known as Bastille Day.
He said the decision was part of an effort to make the French presence “thinner and leaner”, not only in Pakistan but across other countries as well.
Chahtahtinsky further added that, “I am deeply honoured and privileged to be able to welcome you here tonight, as Consul General of France in Karachi and the representative of the French government in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan. And to address this distinguished gathering as we celebrate together for the fourth year in a row, the French National Day, also known as Bastille Day, on July 14.”
“On this day, which also serves as France’s Armed Forces Day, the French people traditionally celebrate the unity of their nation as well as the common values that bind them since the day of the French Revolution,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of Liberty, Equality, and Brotherhood in the politics of France, the consul general stated, “On July 14, 1789, exactly 237 years ago, the people of Paris united behind their military, under the command of General Lafayette, stormed and forever destroyed the sinister Bastille prisons, a symbol of arbitrary detention, monarchic authoritarianism, and oppression.
“I am glad that we could gather tonight in Karachi to celebrate this historic event that has, to a significant extent, reshaped the world, as the French Revolution’s call for freedom still resonates throughout the globe. And most importantly, to celebrate together the friendship between our two nations. France indeed has a well-established track record as Pakistan’s trusted friend.”
He stated that “France was the first non-Muslim nation to recognise Pakistan’s independence in 1947. Since then, France has been standing alongside Pakistan at all stages of its development. Our relations today may encompass different areas of life, but France is still here alongside Pakistan to accompany your country on its development path”.
He added that President Macron and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had met frequently since 2022, when the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan were severely affected by catastrophic floods.
“This allows the French companies’ presence in the Pakistani market, such as CAN CGM, Schneider Electric, L’Oréal, or indeed Peugeot, a nice French car that is produced in Karachi, a successful joint venture with Lucky Motors plant in Korangi,” he added.
Further highlighting economic ties between the two states, he said, “Pakistani companies such as Gul Ahmed Textile and Chottani Industries are exporting to France. Then there are entities, such as Martin Dow, investing in France. Pakistani businesses continue to thrive, taking advantage of their privileged access to French and European markets. The diplomatic mission here had been able to rejuvenate and bring new life into PFBA, which is affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce in Paris.”
He said that Franco-Pak cooperation extends beyond the economic sphere: “France and Pakistan have enjoyed cooperating for over sixty years now in the field of archaeology, with French archaeologists excavating thousands of artefacts across Balochistan and Sindh.”
Reiterating that conservation of cultural heritage was indeed a top priority for France, the consul general said that France had been able to do meaningful work in the domain of health and education in collaboration with provincial governments.
Acknowledging the partnerships with Agha Khan Foundation and the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Consul General Chahtahtinsky pointed out that Karachi was the host to the oldest foreign cultural centre in Pakistan, Alliance Française de Karachi.
He said that a permanent representative of Campus France was now stationed in Karachi, aiming to assist Pakistani students seeking higher education in France at an affordable cost.