In another diplomatic success for Pakistan, Sweden has resumed its visa services at the Islamabad embassy on Monday, providing major relief to Pakistani applicants.
The Foreign Office (FO) announced the resumption of Swedish visa services in Pakistan after successful diplomatic engagement with the Scandinavian country.
In 2023, Sweden closed down its embassy in Islamabad, citing security reasons. Thousands of travelers, tourists, and especially international students from Pakistan faced major obstacles.
The Swedish embassy re-opened in Islamabad in April this year and from Monday (July 7) Pakistanis will be able to apply for a Schengen visa.
After the closure of the Swedish embassy, thousands of students who had secured admission in the Scandinavian country had to travel to Ethiopia to apply for their visas.
This proved to be a major obstacle and an extra financial burden on so many students.
According to the FO, the Swedish and Pakistani foreign ministries held bilateral consultations in Stockholm on July 2, where the decision to resume visa services was announced by the Swedish side.
“Effective July 7, 2025, Pakistani nationals can apply for a Schengen visa from within Pakistan for visits to Sweden of up to 90 days,” the FO said.
The resumption of Swedish visa services in Islamabad will provide major relief to all citizens who wish to travel to the Scandinavian country.
Read more: India to quietly honor over 100 soldiers including Rafale pilots who died in Operation Sindoor
In a significant development, Indian government has announced to quietly award honors to over 100 soldiers and Rafale pilots who lost their lives in the war against Pakistan in May.
The development comes after weeks of hiding military casualties by Indian government and military. Sources have revealed that the Indian armed forces suffered more than 250 casualties but under immense pressure from within institutions and families, the Indian government will honor over 100 soldiers.
