On Sunday, the Foreign Office (FO) refuted claims circulating on social media about Germany handing over the individuals involved in the attack on the Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt. FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch dismissed the report as “fake news.”
On July 20, a group of miscreants attacked the Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt during a protest. The German police arrested two suspects in connection with the incident. The protest, which was initially peaceful and permitted for Afghan nationals, turned violent as participants threw stones at the consulate and removed the Pakistani flag, escalating tensions.
The German authorities had planned to make additional arrests as they continued to identify other protesters using video footage. Following the attack, Pakistan condemned the assault and criticized the German authorities for failing to protect the consulate. Pakistan summoned Germany’s senior diplomat to express its strong objections.
The FO emphasized that under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, it is the host government’s responsibility to safeguard consular premises and diplomats. Pakistan urged Germany to take immediate action to fulfill its obligations under the Convention and to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attack and any security lapses.
The incident garnered significant international attention, raising concerns about the security of diplomatic facilities. The German authorities assured a thorough investigation and have detained and questioned several individuals following the incident.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif questioned whether Afghans should be hosted in Germany after the attack, expressing frustration over the situation given Pakistan’s extensive support for Afghan refugees.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar announced that the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) chairman would review footage of the attack to determine if any Pakistani citizens were involved. If any Pakistani was found to be involved, their ID card and passport would be revoked, and strict action would be taken.
