Lahore:As Finland marks the celebration of its 108th Independence Day in Islamabad, it is deeply unfortunate that the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs simultaneously intends to close its Embassy in Islamabad by 2026 — despite steadily growing bilateral ties, expanding cooperation, and one of the most promising phases in Finland-Pakistan relations.
Renowned educationist and career counsellor Syed Azhar Husnain Abidi, one of Pakistan’s most respected voices in international education and global student mobility, has expressed deep concern following a recent discussion with WilleEerola, Honorary Consul General of Pakistan in Finland and Chairman of the Finland Pakistan Business Council (FPBC), regarding the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ announcement of the expected closure of the Finnish Embassy in Islamabad by 2026.
During their conversation, Abidi acknowledged WilleEerola’s extraordinary efforts over the past two decades — efforts that have significantly strengthened Finland-Pakistan relations across business, education, diplomacy, culture, and people-to-people linkages over the last two decades. Eerola has been a central figure in keeping bilateral engagement active and meaningful, often single-handedly ensuring continuity despite geopolitical shifts and administrative challenges. Both agreed that the proposed closure of the Finnish Embassy in Islamabad comes at a highly sensitive moment, with bilateral ties witnessing their strongest phase in more than 74 years.
Eerola shared his concern that closing the Finnish Embassy now risks undermining years of consistent progress. He highlighted that it is not only Finnish companies but also universities, and institutions are more engaged with Pakistan today than ever before. Recent initiatives— including the Finland Pakistan Business Summit 2025 — have resulted in concrete partnerships, expanded corporate presence, and growing interest from Finland’s education and skills development sectors.
He emphasised that a strong diplomatic presence in Islamabad is not merely symbolic — it is an essential enabler of business continuity, visa facilitation, academic cooperation, and investor confidence. According to Eerola, removing this presence at a time of growing collaboration ‘would slow down the momentum that both nations have worked tirelessly to build.’
