In a sudden move, the German Consulate General in Karachi has announced a complete suspension of visa and consular services for non-European Union nationals.
The decision was shared through a notice on the consulate’s social media and official website on Monday, informing that all confirmed visa appointments for non-EU applicants have been cancelled “until further notice.” The message also made it clear that appointments would not be rescheduled and those affected would need to book again when services resume.
No details have been provided regarding the cause of the suspension or a possible reopening date. The German Embassy in Islamabad has not issued a similar advisory, and attempts to contact embassy officials for comment have so far gone unanswered.
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The development has raised concern among visa applicants, many of whom are students or workers preparing for upcoming travel to Germany. The lack of prior warning has added to the confusion, especially for those with urgent travel plans.
Observers note that this comes at a time of growing scrutiny in international visa processes across South Asia. In June, US consulates in Karachi and Lahore introduced stricter checks for nonimmigrant visas, requiring applicants to make their social media profiles public for vetting. The US Embassy in New Delhi had implemented a similar policy earlier.
Germany remains one of the most sought-after destinations for higher education and employment among Pakistanis, making this abrupt pause particularly disruptive.