PH embassy cancels consular, overseas voting mission in Lahore, Pakistan

May 5 ------ The Philippine Embassy in Islamabad has cancelled a scheduled consular and overseas voting mission in Lahore in the province of Punjab in Pakistan, citing security concerns amid the ongoing tensions in the India-Pakistan border. 

In an advisory posted on the embassy’s official Facebook page, it said the decision was made “after careful consideration of the evolving security situation and in close coordination with relevant authorities.” “The Embassy regrets to inform the public that, in light of the continued Red Alert status in Punjab and heightened security tensions, particularly in areas near the India-Pakistan border, the scheduled Consular and OV Mission in Lahore is hereby cancelled until further notice,” the advisory read. “The safety and well-being of our nationals remain the Embassy's utmost priority,” it added. 

Last month, suspected rebels killed some 26 tourists in the tourist resort of Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir region. India accused Pakistan of involvement in the attacks, but Islamabad has denied the accusations and said instead that it received “credible intelligence” of India’s plan to launch military action. With the cancellation of the consular mission that was originally scheduled on May 3 and 4, the embassy instead said that a “supplementary consular mission will be scheduled later this year to ensure that affected Filipinos are provided the opportunity to avail of the necessary services in a safer and more stable environment.” 

In a separate advisory, the embassy advised all Filipinos working and residing in Bhimber City, Azad Kashmir, and the Sialkot Line of Control sector “to exercise extreme caution” after Pakistani authorities raised Red Alert in the areas “due to the escalating security situation.” 

Filipinos were advised to avoid non-essential travel, especially near the border zones; to remain indoors and monitor official announcements from local authorities; to maintain regular contact with their employers and community coordinators; to ensure communication lines are open and mobile phones are charged; and to have basic necessities, such as ID cards, emergency bag, and essential medicines, ready in case of a need to evacuate. 

According to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza last April 30, no Filipinos have been affected by the Pahalgam attack and the latest tensions near the Line of Control. Quoting a report from the Philippine Embassy in Islamabad, the DFA official said that there are 3,151 Filipinos in Pakistan. 

Source: mb.com.ph