Due to the security risks, the Swedish embassy in Islamabad has closed indefinitely, and visitors will not be allowed inside. The embassy has also suspended sending documents to consulates, Gerry centers, and applicant home addresses.
The embassy has apologized for the inconvenience but prioritizes the safety of its staff and visa applicants. There is no word on when the embassy will reopen.
The closure will affect Pakistani students who plan to study in Sweden as the visa process takes 4-6 months, and the new academic session starts in August. Additionally, Pakistani families living in Sweden cannot apply for visit visas for their relatives in Pakistan. The Pakistani community in Sweden has reached out to the Pakistan Embassy and Foreign Office for assistance, and Pakistani students have written a letter to the Foreign Secretary about their concerns. As per the media reports, the Foreign Office has discussed the matter with the Swedish Embassy.
The decision to shut down the embassy was takes as protests erupted in January 2023 across the Muslim world, particularly in Pakistan, against Sweden for burning the Holy Quran near Turkey’s embassy in Stockholm. This act was carried out by a far-right politician and anti-Islam provocateur, Rasmus Paludan, a dual Danish-Swedish national with a history of such acts.
Finland had previously closed its mission in Pakistan ten years ago but later reopened it. Croatia had also closed its embassy in Islamabad in the early 90s due to several reasons, including lack of bilateral engagement. Denmark may also close its mission in Pakistan due to similar security threats.
