By Farman Ullah
A flag is a symbol of nationhood and sovereignty. It is one of the most precious assets of a nation. The sovereignty of the flag is extremely close to the heart of every citizen of Pakistan. The Pakistani flag is hoisted on different occasions throughout the country and at international levels.
On July 20, 2024, a group of protesters, mostly carrying Afghan flags, demonstrated outside the Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt, Germany. The protest turned violent, with some individuals breaking into the consulate grounds, removing the Pakistani flag and throwing stones at the building.
The German government failed to provide security to the Pakistani Consulate in Frankfurt, Germany.
Under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, it was the responsibility of the host government to protect the inviolability of consular premises and ensure the safety and security of consular officers.
There are approximately 800,000 registered Afghan refugees (cardholders) living in Pakistan, while around 700,000 are estimated to be residing in the country without proper documentation.
The incident may worsen already tense relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, potentially affecting the status of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
Pakistan might reconsider its support for Afghan refugees, including those fleeing conflict or persecution, in response to the flag desecration. Afghan refugees in Pakistan may face increased scrutiny, or even deportation due to the perceived disrespect towards Pakistan’s sovereignty.
The incident could hinder efforts to repatriate Afghan refugees to their homeland, as Pakistan might become less cooperative.
These consequences could further exacerbate the challenges faced by Afghan refugees, who are already vulnerable due to their displacement.