Pakistan to restore Kabul embassy services today

Published December 29, 2019
Earlier, the Afghan authorities announced reopening of their Peshawar consulate that also remained closed for nearly three months. — APP/File
Earlier, the Afghan authorities announced reopening of their Peshawar consulate that also remained closed for nearly three months. — APP/File

ISLAMABAD: The Pakis­tan embassy in Kabul is set to restore its full consular services on Sunday (today) after a gap of nearly two months.

The embassy made this announcement over Twitter saying: “@PakEmbKabul is happy to announce that it would be resuming its full consular services with effect from Sunday, 29 December, 2019”.

The embassy had suspended the services on Nov 4, citing concerns about safety and security of its staff. The decision was taken after harassment of some Pakistani diplomats in the Afghan capital where embassy vehicles were hit by motorcycles.

However, a few days after suspending the consular operations, the embassy started issuing health visas as the closure had hit Afghans intending to visit Pakistan hard. A large number of Afghans visit Pakistan for medical treatment, connecting with family members living here, education and business. The consular section on an average receives about 2,000 applications and issues up to 1,500 visas on a daily basis.

Earlier, the Afghan authorities announced reopening of their Peshawar consulate that also remained closed for nearly three months.

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2019

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...