Wasama Khalid
Pakistan’s national pride was wounded on Saturday when a group of protesters desecrated the Pakistani flag by storming the consulate in Germany. The audacious act sparked widespread condemnation and prompted a swift response from the government. On Thursday, the federal cabinet initiated the “Huramat-e-Parcham” campaign to galvanize public support and denounce the attack.
As investigations into the incident continue, the episode has cast a long shadow over the already strained Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship. Initial reports indicate that approximately eight to ten Afghan nationals were involved in the attack on the Pakistani consulate. Videos circulating on social media showed protesters scaling the consulate’s walls, removing the national flag, and attempting to set it ablaze. After forcibly removing the Pakistani flag, they fled the scene. German authorities have yet to apprehend any suspects.
In response to the incident, Pakistan summoned the German ambassador to lodge a strong protest. While the Foreign Office confirmed a formal complaint to the German Embassy, it did not explicitly state whether the ambassador was summoned.
The statement unequivocally condemned the attack as the work of “a gang of extremists,” without specifying their origins. Pakistan expressed deep disappointment with German authorities for failing to safeguard the consulate and its personnel. The Foreign Office reiterated that Germany is obligated under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963 to protect diplomatic missions and their staff.
The Foreign Office urged the German government to take immediate measures to fulfill its responsibilities under the Vienna Conventions and ensure the security of the diplomatic missions and staff of Pakistan in Germany.
The Pakistani Embassy in Berlin condemned the “reprehensible vandalizing act”. In a statement, the embassy said it was in contact with the local authorities that such a situation did not recur, and that those responsible for the vandalism were brought to justice.
Foreign media reported that German authorities pledged a comprehensive investigation to Pakistani diplomats in Frankfurt after the incident. Following the circulation of disturbing videos online, several suspects were detained and are currently being interrogated.
Meanwhile, federal ministers expressed their patriotism on social media by sharing images of themselves with the Pakistani flag. Accompanying these photos were heartfelt messages of love for the national emblem.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari, Minister for Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer, Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar and other ministers also released pictures on social media with the national flag.
Federal Minister for Information Ataullah Tarar also posted a picture with the national flag on social media with the couplet
“Chand Roshan Chamakta Sitara Rahey,
Sab Se Oncha Yeh Jhanda Hamara Rahey”
and said it was a clear message to the enemies of Pakistan.
Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan also released pictures with the national flag and the message ‘Pakistan Zindabad’.
Attaullah Tarar appealed to political activists, journalists, intellectuals, teachers, lawyers, doctors, farmers, laborers, students, businessmen, patriotic Pakistanis abroad, and Pakistani youth to be a part of the “Harmat Percham Campaign”. He said that the flag of Pakistan was a symbol of national identity and sovereignty which represented the unity and solidarity of the nation.
He announced that August, the month of Pakistan’s independence, would witness the continuation of the ‘Respect the Flag’ campaign. Emphasizing the national flag’s significance, he declared it a collective duty to uphold its sanctity.
Meanwhile, the reasons behind the Afghan nationals’ protest remain unclear. While some speculate that they gathered outside the Pakistani consulate to denounce the alleged killing of Gilman Wazir, a prominent poet and political figure, the exact motive is yet to be confirmed.
The incident further strained the already fragile Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship. It sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many Pakistanis questioning the ingratitude of Afghans towards a nation that has shown immense hospitality.
Pakistan continues to shelter millions of Afghan refugees who fled their war-torn country. Many of these refugees have established prosperous businesses and own properties in Pakistan, contributing significantly to the local economy.