France Consulate: France will close its Consulate General in Karachi for budgetary reasons while maintaining and strengthening its diplomatic, business and cultural engagement with Pakistan, officials announced during the French National Day celebrations in Karachi.

The event, held at the Consulate General of France, marked the 237th anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille. Sindh Governor Syed Nehal Hashmi and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah attended as special guests alongside diplomats, government officials and members of the diplomatic community.

French Consul General Alexis Chahtahtinsky said France was among the first countries to recognize Pakistan’s independence in 1947. He highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two countries and reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting global peace. He also noted recent diplomatic cooperation between French and Pakistani leaders to support international stability.

The ceremony also highlighted the growing economic partnership between France and Pakistan. Chahtahtinsky pointed to the contributions of major French companies operating in Karachi, including CMA CGM, Louis Dreyfus Company, Schneider Electric and L’Oréal, which continue to invest in the country’s economy.

During his address, the consul general announced that the French government had decided to close its Consulate General in Karachi after four years of his tenure due to budgetary constraints. He stressed that France was not leaving Karachi but adapting its diplomatic presence through a new structure.

France officially confirmed on July 15, 2026, that it would end consulate operations in Karachi. The country will continue its engagement through a newly appointed Honorary Consul General, the Pakistan France Business Alliance (PFBA) and the Alliance Française de Karachi, which will continue promoting trade, education and cultural cooperation.

French officials said the new framework would preserve strong ties with Karachi while supporting future economic, cultural and diplomatic collaboration between France and Pakistan.