Pakistani consulate in Afghan city likely to reopen after security assurances

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif, which was closed after an attempt of terrorist attack foiled yesterday, is likely to resume its operations from Tuesday morning after Afghan authorities assured a fool-proof security to their Pakistani counterparts on Monday.

The consulate in Afghanistan’s Balkh province was closed after a woman tried to enter the building with a hand grenade hiding in her bag. The Foreign Office had said the woman was arrested by the police and investigations were underway to find the perpetrators of the failed attack.

Afghan citizens in Mazar-e-Sharif had faced severe difficulties after visa section among other operations of the Pakistani mission was temporarily shut owing security concerns.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul had urged the Afghanistan Foreign Office to provide fool-proof security to its Consulate General in Mazar-e-Sharif and to share the findings of its investigation at the earliest.

Diplomatic sources told The Express Tribune that the Afghan officials have contacted the officials at Pakistan Embassy over the issue and assured them that a complete security will be provided to all diplomatic staff stationed at the Mazar-e-Sharif consulate.

They requested the Pakistani officials to resume visa services at the mission. Following security assurances, the consulate is now likely to resume its operations from Tuesday morning, the sources added.

Last year, Pakistan’s consulate in Jalalabad remained closed for several weeks due to security reasons.

Sunday’s failed terrorist attempt came a day after the United State negotiators and the Afghan Taliban admitted “progress on vital issues” in their talks in Qatar, albeit the insurgents said there was no agreement on ceasefire or talks with the Afghan government, which they deride as American puppet.

Source: The Express Tribune