The outgoing Consul General of France in Karachi has expressed strong optimism about Pakistan’s future, saying that the country’s international standing has changed considerably in recent years and that Pakistan is increasingly being recognised as an important player in regional and global affairs.

During a recent interview, Syed Zubair Rashid, French Consul General, described his departure as an emotional and significant moment, reflecting on both his professional tenure and his long-standing personal connection with Pakistan.

He said his relationship with Pakistan went back more than four decades, recalling his first visit to the country in 1983 as a student.

Over the years, he travelled to different parts of Pakistan and developed a deep affection for the country and its people.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s changing international perception, the outgoing Consul General said that when he arrived four years ago, Pakistan was often viewed negatively in parts of the Western world, largely because of concerns surrounding security, terrorism and instability.

He said that Pakistan’s image internationally had since changed considerably.

Referring to the conflict with a neighbouring country last year, he observed that Pakistan had not initiated the war but had successfully held its ground, demonstrating that the country should not be underestimated.

He also praised Pakistan’s diplomatic role during the recent regional tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

According to him, Pakistan had successfully repositioned itself as an important and, in many respects, an indispensable diplomatic interlocutor and mediator.

He said that countries, including France, appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote a ceasefire and prevent the escalation of a conflict that could have resulted in a much wider global economic, energy and food crisis.

Referring to recent developments in regional defence and strategic cooperation, including the recently announced Makkah Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

He said such developments reflected Pakistan’s growing importance on the international stage.

Expressing confidence in Pakistan’s future, he said he believed the country had the potential to emerge as one of the leading nations of the twenty-first century.

He identified Pakistan’s young population as one of its greatest strengths, noting that a significant majority of Pakistanis were between the ages of 25 and 27.

He said the country’s youth represented an enormous source of potential and could become one of Pakistan’s greatest national assets if provided with the right opportunities.

He stressed that continued progress in education and healthcare would be critical, particularly in addressing the needs and aspirations of Pakistan’s growing young population.

Encouraging Pakistani students to explore higher education opportunities in France, the outgoing Consul General said that France offered a wide range of academic programmes in both French and English.

He noted that studying in France could also be considerably more affordable than pursuing higher education in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.

He highlighted the important role of Alliance Française Karachi in providing young Pakistanis with opportunities to learn the French language and obtain information about educational opportunities in France, including through Campus France.

The outgoing Consul General said that despite the closure of the French Consulate General in Karachi, there remained significant opportunities for expanding cooperation between France and Pakistan, particularly in education, healthcare and youth development.

He confirmed that the Consulate General of France in Karachi would be closing following a decision by the French government to manage its bilateral engagement with Pakistan through the Embassy of France in Islamabad.

Consul General said he hoped to be remembered as a true friend of Pakistan.

Emphasising that his association with the country would continue beyond his diplomatic posting, he expressed his intention to return and visit Pakistan frequently.

His interview reflected both a deep personal affection for Pakistan and a strong belief in the country’s potential, particularly at a time when Pakistan is seeking to strengthen its diplomatic, economic and strategic engagement with the wider world.