A group of Afghan nationals attacked the Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt on Saturdays, pelting stones and bringing down its national flag, which caused significant outrage on social media. In response, the Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan issued a statement condemning the attack and expressing concern for the safety of its consular staff, whose lives were endangered because of the security breach.
The 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (VCCR) mandates that host governments ensure the safety and inviolability of consular premises and protect diplomats. Article 31 of the VCCR declares that consular premises are inviolable and cannot be entered without the consent of the head of the consular post. This protection includes safeguarding these premises from intrusion, damage, or disturbance, thus preserving the integrity and dignity of the mission. Additionally, Article 40 requires host governments to protect consular officers from harm, harassment, or attacks on their person, freedom, or dignity, ensuring that they can perform their duties without fear. Host governments must take measures to prevent such assaults and provide a secure environment for consular activities.
The VCCR confers upon consular officers specific immunity from legal proceedings, allowing for their arrest or detention only in instances of grave crimes and following judicial decisions by competent authorities. This approach guarantees fair and appropriate supervision of legal processes. It is incumbent upon host governments to provide redress and corrective measures for any breach of these safeguards. This framework underscores the host government's dedication to maintaining effective consular relations, which is essential for promoting international cooperation and safeguarding the well-being of both the host country's citizens and foreign nationals.
The Foreign Office urged the local German government to promptly apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the incident and hold accountable those involved in security lapses, stressing the necessity for host countries to fulfill their international diplomatic protection obligations. Pakistan's Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, recommended re-evaluating the hospitality extended to Afghan nationals, revisiting Pakistan's historical support for Afghanistan in collaboration with the United States against the Soviet Union, and argued that these efforts were insufficiently acknowledged. Asif expressed discontent over the perceived lack of gratitude from some Afghan nationals, citing instances of hostility, such as cursing at Pakistan, speaking ill of its integrity, organizing protests, and burning its flags.
The incident and subsequent reactions underscore ongoing tensions between Pakistan and segments of the Afghan population, highlighting the complexities and challenges in maintaining diplomatic and societal relations amidst historical grievances and present-day conflicts.