The German Consulate General in Karachi announced on July 29, 2025, that it will close services for non-EU citizens “until further notice,” including visa appointments.
The consulate’s social media post and website announcement stated: “All confirmed visa appointments for non-EU citizens are cancelled and will not be rescheduled. Applicants must register again through our appointment system.” The German Embassy in Islamabad has not released a similar notice, and inquiries regarding this matter remain unanswered.
🚨Important Notice🚨 #ConsulateUpdate pic.twitter.com/n9XJCLF6iX
— German Consulate General Karachi (@GermanyinKHI) July 28, 2025Although no official reason has been given, the closure comes after recent diplomatic tensions. Since June 2025, U.S. consulates in Karachi and Lahore have been required to review the social media of non-immigrant visa applicants, as announced by the U.S. Embassy. The decision by the consulate may be linked to internal reviews or security protocols, though there is much speculation surrounding the matter.
Thousands of Pakistani applicants, seeking study, work, or travel visas, face delays. The suspension primarily affects non-EU citizens, with EU nationals potentially being unaffected. Experts from the Pakistan Bar Council note: “This could delay economic and educational opportunities.” The consulate advises monitoring its website for updates.
Pakistan-Germany relations remain strong, with over 100,000 visas issued annually, per German Embassy data. However, global events, such as the Ukraine conflict, have influenced diplomatic operations since 2022, per Reuters. The closure may be temporary, similar to past adjustments.
