Sweden worried about the situation in Pakistan, closed the embassy citing danger in Islamabad
The Swedish government has closed its embassy in Pakistan. This decision is going to increase the difficulties of Pakistan. Sweden has taken this decision in view of the current situation in the country. He has cited security reasons behind this. If experts are to be believed, this decision will have a direct impact on Pakistan’s business, education, cultural exchange as well as the country’s image. This decision of the Swedish government is going to increase the troubles for Pakistan which is already in economic crisis. The reaction of the Government of Pakistan is yet to come on this decision.
What is the order of the Swedish government
The order issued by Sweden states that the embassy is closed for visitors in view of the security situation in the national capital Islamabad. It has been told in the order that the expatriate department of the embassy is unable to fulfill any kind of request at this time. Also, no document can be sent to other embassies.
It has been said on behalf of the embassy that at this time it cannot be answered that when it will be opened again. At the same time, it is believed that this decision is going to have a big impact on both the countries, especially Pakistan. Recently, there was tension between the two countries over the incident of burning of Quran.
Announced on 5th April
On 5 April, the Swedish Embassy in Islamabad announced an indefinite closure due to security concerns. On 11 April it was decided that the embassy as well as on-site services and document delivery would be closed until further notice. However, it has not been told from the embassy that due to what kind of threats it has taken this decision.
Pakistan and Sweden have diplomatic relations since 1951. The two countries have several agreements on mutual cooperation in a number of areas, including trade and economic relations, education, science and technology. In 2003, a Joint Declaration was signed to further enhance cooperation in these areas. In recent years, both the countries have worked together to strengthen their ties.
Sweden against the blasphemy law
In the year 2019, Sweden’s Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom visited Pakistan. He had a meeting with the then Prime Minister Imran Khan and other officials. During his visit, ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in a number of areas including trade and investment, defense and education were discussed at length. There has also been tension between the two countries over various issues such as the blasphemy law in Pakistan. These laws have been seen as controversial in Sweden, where freedom of expression is placed above all. In the year 2012, Pakistan as well as other Muslim countries protested fiercely on the cartoon of Prophet Muhammad in a Swedish newspaper.
