The Consulate General of France in Karachi is set to close permanently after 50 years of diplomatic and consular service, outgoing French Ambassador to Pakistan Nicolas Galey announced at a farewell ceremony.
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The announcement was made during a farewell organised by the Board of Management of the Quaid-i-Azam House Museum in collaboration with the Karachi Council of Foreign Relations for Ambassador Galey and French Consul General in Karachi Alexis Chahtahtinsky.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Galey said he was saddened by his departure after spending almost five years in Pakistan and noted that his departure coincided with that of the consul general.
“Someone will replace me in Islamabad but here in Karachi, the French Consulate, which opened in 1976, is closing down after 50 years of service,” he said.
Galey praised Karachi’s vitality and said he had witnessed the city change and develop during his visits.
He also appreciated Chahtahtinsky for his work in Karachi, adding that France’s engagement with the city would continue through the Alliance Française and the Pakistan France Business Alliance.
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The ambassador said the closure of the consulate would not end France’s links with Karachi.
The Alliance Française will continue to serve as France’s flagship institution in the city, while the Pakistan France Business Alliance will also continue its activities.
Galey also praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in relation to tensions in the Gulf, saying the country had emerged as an influential actor during difficult circumstances.
Consul General Alexis Chahtahtinsky said he would leave Karachi and Pakistan on September 1, taking with him memories of his time in the country.
He recalled first visiting Pakistan as a student in 1983, when he travelled to the country’s northern areas.
Chahtahtinsky said he later spent four years as consul general in Karachi and described the city as Pakistan’s economic hub and gateway because of its importance as the country’s largest port.
“Karachi, as the biggest port in the country, is the gateway to Pakistan,” he said, praising the city as a place with significant business opportunities and a vibrant social environment.
Chahtahtinsky also spoke about the changing international perception of Pakistan, saying the country had previously been associated with security concerns but had increasingly gained recognition for its diplomatic role.
He highlighted Pakistan’s mediation efforts during recent Gulf tensions and said the country had repositioned itself as part of efforts to address regional challenges.
During the vote of thanks, Vice Chairman of the Board of Management of the Karachi Council of Foreign Relations Ikram Sehgal recalled the longstanding relationship between France and Pakistan.
He said France was the first non-Muslim country to recognise Pakistan, while diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1951.
Sehgal highlighted French defence cooperation with Pakistan, including the provision of Daphne-class and Agosta-class submarines, as well as Mirage III and Mirage 5 fighter aircraft.
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He also mentioned the ROSE (Retrofit of Strike Element) programme through which ageing Mirage aircraft were modernised at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in Kamra.
Sehgal criticised the decision to close the Karachi consulate, arguing that the city and Pakistan’s maritime and geopolitical importance offered opportunities for stronger trade and strategic cooperation.
He said France could benefit from emerging economic opportunities and new alliances as Pakistan’s role in regional affairs develops.
