Irish Government `concerned'

The Department of Foreign Affairs is "profoundly concerned" about the coup in Pakistan and has joined EU calls for the restoration…

The Department of Foreign Affairs is "profoundly concerned" about the coup in Pakistan and has joined EU calls for the restoration of civilian rule.

It is unclear how many Irish citizens are living in Pakistan, but one estimate puts the number at fewer than 100. This figure includes a number serving with the United Nations.

Ireland's diplomatic relations with Pakistan are conducted from the Irish Embassy in Tehran, the capital of Iran. The post of honorary Irish consul in Islamabad has remained vacant for some time. A previous incumbent, Dr Naseem Beg, took legal action in the High Court after claiming he was wrongfully dismissed.

About 1,000 Pakistani citizens have been granted visas to live in Ireland, according to the Department of Justice.

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Pakistan is not a significant trading partner with Ireland. In 1998 it was only the 52nd-largest importer of Irish goods, accounting for £23 million. Imports to Ireland from Pakistan were worth £15 million.