French Consul General Hosts Bastille Day Reception in Karachi, Highlights Bilateral Ties

A grand reception to celebrate Bastille Day

marking France’s National Day and

commemorating the French Revolution of 1789

Staff Reporter

Karachi: The Consul General of France in Karachi, Mr. Alexis Chahtahtinsky, hosted a grand reception to celebrate Bastille Day, marking France’s National Day and commemorating the French Revolution of 1789 — a historic event symbolizing Liberté, Égalité, and Fraternité.

The prestigious gathering at the French Consulate was attended by Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, students, and representatives of the French and Pakistani communities.

A Celebration of Enduring Friendship

In his address, Mr. Chahtahtinsky recalled the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, as a defining moment in the fight against monarchy and arbitrary rule. He said celebrating Bastille Day in Karachi symbolizes France’s deep-rooted friendship with Pakistan.

“France was the first non-Muslim country to recognize Pakistan in 1947,” he said, adding that the relationship has since expanded through military cooperation, cultural exchange, and economic partnerships.

Defense and Diplomatic Collaboration

He pointed to French contributions in Pakistan’s defense sector — including Mirage jets, Alouette helicopters, and Agosta submarines built in Karachi. “These achievements form a legacy that cannot be undone,” he stated.

Highlighting ongoing multilateral cooperation, Mr. Chahtahtinsky noted that both France and Pakistan are currently members of the United Nations Security Council (2025–2026), working together for global peace.

Economic and Environmental Partnerships

The Consul General noted France’s growing business interest in Pakistan. He named major French companies such as CMA CGM, Schneider Electric, Thales, L’Oréal, and Peugeot (partnering with Lucky Motors in Karachi), while praising Pakistani exporters like Gul Ahmed, Chottani Industries, and Martin Dow for their strong presence in France.

He also praised recent IMF-backed economic progress in Pakistan and thanked the Pakistan-France Business Alliance, particularly CEO of Schneider Electric, Mr. Humayun Akhlaq, for strengthening bilateral trade ties.

On the environmental front, he mentioned France’s hosting of the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice and its relevance to Pakistan’s coastal zones and mangrove ecosystems, especially in Sindh and Balochistan.

Cultural and Academic Engagements

Mr. Chahtahtinsky highlighted the role of French archaeologists who have been active in Sindh and Balochistan for over six decades, uncovering valuable heritage. He also acknowledged partnerships with IBA, Aga Khan Foundation, and the Alliance Française Karachi — Pakistan’s oldest foreign cultural center established in 1954.

He announced that Campus France now has a permanent office at Alliance Française Karachi to further support student exchange and academic cooperation.

A Toast to Stronger Ties

Concluding the event, the French Consul General declared, “Vive la République, Vive la France – Pakistan Zindabad!”