The federal cabinet on Thursday initiated the “Huramat-e-Parcham” campaign in response to the desecration of the Pakistani flag by angry protesters who stormed the Pakistani embassy in Germany on Saturday. Videos circulating on social media showed protesters scaling the consulate’s walls, removing the national flag, and attempting to set it ablaze.
Initial reports indicate that approximately eight to ten Afghan nationals were involved in the attack on the Pakistani consulate. 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’.
