Netherlands embassy resumes visa service after ‘temporary halt’

Interviews for visa applications were postponed amid security concerns

ISLAMABAD: The embassy of the Netherlands resumed all consular and visa services after temporarily halting issuing visas amid reports of security concerns.

The Dutch officials on Monday announced that courier services in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad can “immediately start giving appointments to accept visa applications”, according to a statement.

“The Embassy of the Netherlands in Pakistan is open. The issuance of visa has been halted temporarily. Last week, the embassy was temporarily closed for two days because of construction work,” said another statement, issued by the embassy earlier in the day.

The Embassy of the #Netherlands in #Pakistan is open. The issuance of visa has been halted temporarily. Last week, the embassy was temporarily closed for 2 days bcs of construction work. In case of questions/comments, please contact the embassy at 051 200 4444 or [e-mail].

— Ardi Stoios-Braken (@AStoiosbraken) November 12, 2018

The development 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.

Khadim Rizvi case

Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court has 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 today. 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.

The petition was moved by Shabbirullah, a local citizen.