Netherlands closes its embassy in Pakistan amidst security concerns

All the interviews for visa applications have also been postponed until further notification. Henceforth, no visa applications from Pakistan will be entertained by the embassy. The closure is temporary but for an unknown period of time.

Reports say that the decision was taken due to the prevailing security uncertainties following the Supreme Court’s verdict in a Christian woman Asia Bibi’s case.

Supreme Court of Pakistan, on October 31, acquitted Asia Bibi in a 10-year-old blasphemy case in which she had been awarded the death penalty by the lower courts.

The decision had caused violent protests across the country which brought Pakistan to a grinding halt for a couple of days.

Following the protests, the government made a deal with the protesters and assured that it would place Asia’s name on Exit Control List (ECL) and won’t let her fly out until the apex court gives its verdict on the review petition filed by one of the protesters.

On November 8, Asia Bibi was released from jail and was shifted to Islamabad.

There were reports that the Dutch government was interested in providing an honorary citizenship to Asia.

However, there was no confirmation either from Pakistan or the Dutch government.

Earlier there were reports that the life of Dutch Ambassador to Pakistan Ardi Stoios-Braken is at risk amid the worsening law and order situation in the country.

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