Pakistan Temporarily Shuts Jalalabad Consulate in Afghanistan Due to Alleged Interference by Local Governor

Islamabad, Sep 1: Pakistan has temporarily shut its consulate in Afghanistan's Jalalabad city due to alleged interference by a local governor. The Pakistan Embassy in Kabul has informed Afghan authorities that the consulate will remain closed until Nangarhar Province Governor Hayatullah Hayat stops his interventions.

Diplomatic sources said the embassy has also informed the Afghanistan government that the undue interventions by Hayat were a complete violation of the Vienna Convention of the Consular Relations, 1963.

Pakistan demanded authorities improve security around the consulate and stop interference in the consulate general's functioning, otherwise, it will not be opened.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are under stress and despite efforts, the two sides have not completely eliminated the mistrust towards each other. The two sides also accuse each other of harbouring militants who carry out attacks across the border.