FALO Karachi Hosts Diplomatic Farewell and Welcome Reception, Strengthening Consular and Economic Engagement in Pakistan’s Business Hub

The Foreign Affairs Liaison Office (FALO) Karachi under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a farewell and welcome reception for members of the Consular Corps at the State Guest House, bringing together outgoing and newly appointed diplomats serving in Karachi.

The event was attended by senior diplomatic representatives, consular officials, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflecting continued efforts to strengthen diplomatic coordination and international engagement in Pakistan’s economic capital.

Addressing the gathering, Director General FALO Karachi Muhammad Irfan Soomro welcomed the diplomatic community and described the event as both a farewell to outgoing diplomats completing their assignments and a warm reception for newly arrived envoys beginning their tenure in Karachi.

He paid tribute to outgoing diplomats Mr. Lance Gavin Domm and Mr. Alexis Chahtahtinsky for their contributions during their postings, while extending a formal welcome to new diplomats Mr. Mudzakir, Mr. Akbar Eissazadeh, Mr. Ergul Kadak, and Mr. Joohoon Kim.

DG FALO highlighted that Karachi is not just a diplomatic posting but a dynamic experience, calling it Pakistan’s commercial and economic hub. He noted that the city offers unique access to business leaders, investors, media professionals, academia, civil society, and a highly active commercial ecosystem.

He emphasized that unlike many global capitals where economic networks take years to build, Karachi provides immediate engagement opportunities for the diplomatic community. He described the city as a natural center for trade, investment, and economic diplomacy.

Addressing outgoing diplomats, he expressed hope that they would carry with them the “spirit, resilience, and hospitality” of Karachi and continue promoting Pakistan’s message of partnership, trade, and global connectivity in their future roles.

He also encouraged both outgoing and incoming diplomats to strengthen people-to-people ties, facilitate travel and visa processes where possible, and promote increased exchange of students, investors, business delegations, and trade groups between countries.

Welcoming the new diplomats, he said Karachi rewards engagement, openness, and ambition, and reaffirmed FALO’s commitment to supporting the diplomatic community and strengthening cooperation within the consular corps.

British Deputy High Commissioner Lance Gavin Domm highlighted strong UK-Pakistan relations, noting approximately $80 billion in bilateral trade potential, expanding educational links, and strong cultural ties including cricket diplomacy and student mobility between the two countries.

French Consul General Alexis Chahtahtinsky recalled France’s early recognition of Pakistan and highlighted strong defense relations between the two countries. He also described his four-year tenure in Pakistan as memorable, praising the hospitality of Karachi’s people and the country’s warm diplomatic environment.

At the conclusion of the event, shields and floral bouquets were presented to outgoing and incoming diplomats as a gesture of goodwill. Deputy DG MOFA Sadia Gohar Khanum and Assistant DG Mariam were also present on the occasion.