FRANKFURT: The Foreign Office (FO) strongly condemned the attack on the Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt by a “gang of extremists” that occurred a day earlier and also criticized German authorities for their failure to protect the consular premises.
According to a report from a private TV channel, some Afghan nationals, after being permitted by local authorities to stage a protest, pelted stones at the Pakistani consulate and even brought down its national flag, causing outrage on social media.
A statement issued by the FO condemned the attack, stating: “In yesterday’s incident, the security of Pakistan’s consulate in Frankfurt was breached, endangering the lives of its consular staff.”
The FO reminded the German government that, under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, it is the host government’s responsibility to protect the sanctity of consular premises and ensure the security of diplomats.
“We are expressing our strong protest to the German government,” it added, urging Berlin to take “immediate measures” to ensure the security of Pakistani diplomatic missions and staff in the country.
It also urged the local government to take immediate measures to “arrest and prosecute those involved in yesterday’s incident and hold accountable those responsible for the security lapses.”
It is not the first time a section of Afghan nationals has shown hostility towards Pakistan at a neutral venue.
In 2019, Pakistan’s victory over Afghanistan at the Asia Cup in Sharjah was marred by clashes between the two sets of fans.
Videos on social media platforms showed Afghan fans failing to control their emotions after their team lost the match by one wicket, expressing their anger by hitting Pakistan fans and vandalizing stadium property.
