By Zahid Karani
KARACHI: France celebrated its National Day in Karachi with a ceremony marking Bastille Day, highlighting more than seven decades of friendship between France and Pakistan while announcing a major change in its diplomatic presence in the city.
Addressing diplomats, government officials, business leaders and invited guests, the Consul General of France commemorated the 237th anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille, describing it as a symbol of liberty, democracy and national unity. He reflected on the longstanding relationship between France and Pakistan, noting that France was among the first countries to recognise Pakistan following its independence in 1947.
The Consul General said both countries continue to share a commitment to peace, stability and international cooperation, adding that the bilateral relationship has expanded steadily through trade, investment, education and cultural exchanges.
The ceremony also highlighted the growing economic partnership between the two countries. Several French companies operating in Pakistan, including CMA CGM, Louis Dreyfus Company, Schneider Electric and L’Oréal, were recognised for their contributions to investment, innovation and industrial development.
Guests were also informed about the success of the locally assembled Peugeot 2008 SUV, produced through a partnership between Peugeot and Lucky Motor Corporation in Korangi, describing it as an example of successful industrial cooperation between France and Pakistan.
The Consul General praised the role of Alliance Française de Karachi, established in 1954, for promoting the French language, education and cultural exchange. He said the institution has played a key role in strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries for more than seven decades.
In a significant announcement, the Consul General said the French government had decided to close the Consulate General in Karachi after four years of operation as part of budgetary restructuring.
He stressed, however, that France’s relationship with Karachi and Pakistan would continue under a new diplomatic framework based on three pillars. These include the appointment of a new Honorary Consul to oversee consular services and provincial coordination, the continued work of the Pakistan-France Business Alliance (PFBA) to strengthen trade and investment, and the ongoing activities of Alliance Française de Karachi as the country’s principal centre for French language and cultural cooperation.
Describing the decision as “turning a new page”, the Consul General said the closure of the physical consulate office would not diminish the enduring friendship between France and Pakistan or affect future cooperation.
He concluded the ceremony by reaffirming France’s commitment to its partnership with Pakistan, ending his remarks with the message: “Vive la France, Vive l’amitié franco-pakistanaise, Pakistan-France Dosti Zindabad.”
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