France celebrated its National Day in Karachi with a ceremony that honored more than seven decades of friendship with Pakistan while announcing a major shift in its diplomatic presence in the city. The event, held to commemorate the 237th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders and distinguished guests to celebrate the enduring relationship between the two countries and outline the future of French engagement in Sindh.
Addressing the gathering, the Consul General of France Alexis Chahtahtinsky reflected on the long-standing partnership between France and Pakistan, describing the occasion as both a celebration of shared achievements and a moment of transition. He recalled that France was among the first nations to recognize Pakistan’s independence in 1947, laying the foundation for a relationship that has expanded across diplomacy, trade, culture and education over the decades. The Consul General said the two countries continue to work together on issues of regional and international importance, highlighting their shared commitment to promoting peace and stability. He noted that recent engagement between French and Pakistani leaders has demonstrated a common determination to contribute to diplomatic efforts aimed at easing international tensions and resolving global conflicts through dialogue.
Economic cooperation was presented as one of the strongest pillars of the bilateral relationship. Alexis Chahtahtinsky pointed to the growing contribution of French businesses operating in Pakistan, saying their investments continue to create opportunities, introduce advanced technologies and support local economic development. He acknowledged the role of leading French companies, including CMA-CGM, Louis Dreyfuss Company, Schneider Electric and L’Oréal, in strengthening commercial ties while contributing to Pakistan’s industrial and business landscape. He also highlighted the production of the Peugeot 2008 SUV in Karachi through a partnership with Lucky Motors in Korangi, describing it as an example of successful industrial collaboration between the two countries.
The project, he said, demonstrates how international partnerships can promote local manufacturing, create employment opportunities and deepen economic integration between France and Pakistan. Beyond commerce, the ceremony celebrated the strong cultural connection that has flourished over generations. The Consul General praised the Alliance Française de Karachi, established in 1954, for serving as a bridge between the people of both nations through French language education, cultural programmes and academic exchanges.
He said the institution has played an important role in strengthening mutual understanding and ensuring that cultural cooperation remains at the heart of the bilateral relationship. The evening also carried an emotional announcement regarding the future of France’s diplomatic representation in Karachi.
After completing four years as Consul General, he revealed that the French government has decided to close the Consulate General in Karachi as part of budgetary adjustments. While acknowledging the significance of the decision, he stressed that it should not be viewed as France stepping away from Karachi or Pakistan. Instead, he described it as the beginning of a new model of engagement designed to preserve and strengthen French ties with the region.
Under the new arrangement, a newly appointed Honorary Consul will oversee consular services and maintain coordination with provincial authorities. Commercial relations and investment promotion will continue through the Pakistan France Business Alliance, while the Alliance Française de Karachi will remain the central institution for cultural, educational and linguistic cooperation. Chahtahtinsky said these three pillars would ensure that France maintains a meaningful and active presence in Karachi despite the closure of the diplomatic mission.
He expressed confidence that the revised structure would continue supporting French citizens, businesses and cultural initiatives while reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the two countries. Describing the transition as “a page being turned,” he said the physical closure of the Consulate General does not diminish the strength of the friendship between France and Pakistan. He reaffirmed that the relationship has been built on decades of trust, cooperation and mutual respect and will continue to grow through business, education and people-to-people exchanges. Concluding his address, the Consul General celebrated the enduring bond between the two nations with the words, “Vive la France, Vive l’amitié franco-pakistanaise, Pakistan France Dosti Zindabad!” The audience responded warmly, bringing an evening of celebration to a close while looking ahead to a new chapter in France’s partnership with Karachi and Pakistan.
