Islamabad, 13 April 2023 (TDI): Sweden has closed its diplomatic mission here in Islamabad amid security concerns in Pakistan. The decision was made after a complete discussion and increased threats and security concerns.
https://twitter.com/SwedeninPK/status/1645721029547794432?s=20
The Embassy of Sweden is closed to visitors following the current security situation in Pakistan and the migration section is not processing any visa requests owing to the temporary closure.
The Swedish embassy did not explain the nature of the threat, but many assume the decision is related to the recent occurrence in Sweden of the burning of the holy Quran.
The indefinite closure of the Swedish embassy in Pakistan is a significant development that underscores the complex security challenges facing foreign governments and diplomatic missions operating in the country.
It is important to note that Pakistani students seeking admission to Swedish educational institutions would be the most affected. The new academic year begins in August and the visa procedure typically takes 4-6 months.
The Swedish Embassy officials have declared that “the decision has been made after a thorough assessment of the security situation in Pakistan.”
The statement further read that the embassy would remain closed until further notice and that the Swedish government would continue to monitor the situation in Pakistan closely.
Sweden has had an embassy in Pakistan since 1951 and has maintained diplomatic relations with the country for several decades.
The embassy had been operating in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, and has been providing services to Swedish citizens living and working in the country.
The closure of the embassy has raised concerns among Swedish citizens in Pakistan who rely on the embassy for assistance with consular and other matters.
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The embassy’s closure will affect those seeking consular services, including visa applications, passport renewals, and emergency assistance.
In response, the Swedish government has advised Swedish citizens to seek assistance from other Swedish embassies and consulates in nearby countries.
The embassy closure also has significant implications for Sweden’s bilateral relations with Pakistan.
The Swedish government has not specified how long the embassy will remain closed but has assured that it will closely monitor Pakistan’s security situation and make decisions accordingly.
In a further development to this story, the Swedish Ambassador to Pakistan, Henrik Persson, announced that the temporary closure of the embassy in Islamabad was a short-term measure resulting from unforeseen circumstances. However, he assured that the situation would be rectified soon.
During his meeting with Foreign Secretary Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, the Ambassador pledged to resolve the issues in a swift and amicable manner.
He clarified that the embassy was not entirely closed and that Pakistani students seeking student visas were being redirected to the Swedish Migration Agency.
In addition to addressing the embassy closure, the Ambassador shared his assessment of the trade, economic, and investment ties between Sweden and Pakistan. He suggested ways to promote further and strengthen these ties, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and cooperation between the two nations.
It is worth noting that the closure of the Swedish embassy in Islamabad is temporary, and the Swedish government is committed to resolving the issue as quickly as possible.
The Swedish Ambassador’s meeting with the Pakistani Foreign Secretary demonstrates the importance Sweden places on its relationship with Pakistan and its desire to maintain strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.
