Dutch embassy in Pakistan closed due to security concerns

Amidst security concerns, issuance of visa has been halted temporarily by the Dutch embassy.

According to media reports, the issuance of new visas has been halted temporarily while interviews for visa applications have also been postponed. The process of issuing visas has been halted temporarily at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Islamabad.

In a clarification post by the embassy, all the interviews of visa seekers have been canceled for two days due to construction work. In case of any questions/comments, please contact the embassy at 051 200 4444 or isl@minbuza.nl, it further added.

Last week, the embassy was temporarily closed for two days because of construction work.

The decision comes after the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Aasia Bibi blasphemy case. The court’s decision had sparked countrywide protests with major cities of the country coming to a virtual halt.

Following the court’s decision to acquit Aasia Bibi in the case, her lawyer, Saiful Mulook was assisted by the United Nations to move to the Netherlands.

The Lahore High Court on Monday dismissed petitions against Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for hearing.

LHC bench headed by Justice Atir Mehmood heard the petition. On the occasion, he apprised the petitioner that the government is cracking down against vandals.

The crackdown came as the government released footage of the rioters torching vehicles, blocking roads and vandalising public and private property following apex court verdict on Aasia Bibi’s acquittal.

On November 10, a writ petition had been filed in the LHC, requesting the federal government to initiate treason proceedings against Rizvi and Rehman.