France has announced the permanent closure of its Consulate General in Karachi as part of a worldwide effort to reduce government spending and streamline its diplomatic network. French authorities have emphasised that the move is administrative and financial in nature and will not affect bilateral relations with Pakistan.
International Desk: France has confirmed that its Consulate General in Karachi will close permanently under a broader review of its overseas diplomatic missions. The measure is part of the French government’s strategy to optimise resources, reduce expenditure and make its global diplomatic presence more efficient.
The announcement was made by Alexis Chahtahtinsky, France’s Consul General in Karachi, during Bastille Day celebrations. He said the decision had been taken solely for financial reasons and should not be interpreted as a change in France’s diplomatic engagement with Pakistan.
Following the closure, the majority of consular and diplomatic services relating to Pakistan will be managed through the French Embassy in Islamabad. French officials stressed that political, economic, commercial and cultural cooperation between the two countries will continue without interruption.
France also clarified that it will maintain a presence in Karachi through three key institutions. An Honorary Consul General will continue to provide consular assistance and liaise with local authorities, while the Pakistan-France Business Alliance (PFBA) will remain active in promoting bilateral trade and investment. In addition, Alliance Française Karachi will continue offering French language education and organising cultural and educational programmes.
French authorities noted that the Karachi closure forms part of a wider global review of France’s diplomatic network rather than a Pakistan-specific decision. Similar assessments are being carried out in several countries to ensure more effective use of limited diplomatic resources.
France reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong relations with Pakistan and said there would be no change to ongoing efforts to strengthen trade, investment, educational exchanges and cultural cooperation. It also described Karachi as an important economic and cultural hub that will continue to play a significant role in France’s engagement with Pakistan.
