ISLAMABAD: Sweden has closed its embassy in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, for an indefinite period, causing difficulties for overseas Pakistanis and students, according to a private news channel quoting diplomatic sources.
The embassy closure has created problems for students who have enrolled in Sweden for the new academic session, which is scheduled to begin in the last week of August, as they are facing hurdles in paying their fees.
Furthermore, overseas Pakistanis cannot call their families in Sweden, as the embassy in Islamabad has been closed.
The news channel quoted diplomatic sources that issuing a Swedish visa normally takes four to six months, which will further add to the difficulties of overseas Pakistanis.
The concerned foreign office officials have contacted the Swedish embassy about the issue, and the Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Asad Majeed Khan, has been apprised of the situation by the affected overseas Pakistanis and students.
The sources within the embassy of Sweden have said that they cannot provide any information about the reopening of the embassy at present.
The closure of the embassy has created a difficult situation for overseas Pakistanis and students, who are now left without proper access to essential services and support.
It is not clear what led to the closure of the Swedish embassy in Pakistan and whether the decision is temporary or permanent.
Sweden a key partner of Pakistan
Sweden has been a key partner for Pakistan in various fields, including trade, education, and culture, and the closure of its embassy will have significant implications for the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The Pakistani authorities are expected to work towards resolving the issue and ensuring that the embassy is reopened as soon as possible in order to minimize the difficulties faced by overseas Pakistanis and students in Sweden.
