Overseas Pakistanis are our Strength
Online Student Registration to Launch Soon
Interview with Imtiaz Feroz Gondal, Consul General of Pakistan Manchester
Tajammul Gurmani
Imtiaz Feroz Gondal, Consul General of Pakistan Manchester, began his role in August 2025. A law graduate from Punjab University, he joined the Foreign Service in 2005, initially posting in Beijing where he developed expertise in Pakistan-China relations and learned Chinese. He later served in Abu Dhabi, Spain, and as Director General Finance at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before his current posting. He is the first in his family to join the Foreign Service and become Consul General. Gondal values simplicity, positivity, and reminds everyone that time should be spent on constructive activities.
Aims: What do you think about the Pakistani community in Manchester?
CG: Pakistani community is very nice and vibrant in Manchester. I’m happy that our community is involved actively and they are contributing very positively to this society. Our community is doing a lot of good work including lots of charity work and it’s my wish to support the community to integrate into the society and so that they can play a better role in the UK as well as in Pakistan.
Aims: Do you agree there is a shortage of staff in the passport section?
CG: Alhamdulillah, I feel very happy to inform that earlier we were issuing 28 new passports daily but now we issue 60 appointments and also accommodate walk-in senior citizens. We are issuing 80 passports daily at this time. I always believe in the system and avoid unfair favours and nepotism. I request everyone to follow the system and I have directed the staff members that we will respect the people who respect the system. in the morning till 2 PM those applicants who have pre booked appointments. in the second half of the day after 2 PM I personally meet the walk-in applicants. We will try to serve the people who have genuine emergencies and senior citizens or special need persons.
Aims: What’s the procedure of Pakistani visa?
CG: We are offering an online visa service and nobody needs to visit the Consulate office. We issue the online visa within 72 hours. Visa on arrival and tourist visa is free of cost but this short-term visa will be issued from Pakistan.
Aims: What’s the issue of fake websites?
CG: Unfortunately, some people have created fake websites. The official platform for Pakistani online visas is nadra.gov.pk, which applicants should use for authentic services. Many fraudulent sites appear similar by adding letters such as “E” or “P” to their addresses. These sites often mention “sponsored,” but they have no connection to the Government of Pakistan and are scamming innocent citizens by charging around £200 without providing proper service. These fake websites delay applications and represent a serious financial scam. The government’s official online visa portal processes applications efficiently, whereas fake sites use personal emails to exploit applicants
Aims: Some people complain that official links are down?
CG: Our services are online and there is no complaint that the NADRA system is down. Sometimes there are issues with fingerprints for the passports but people should use a better quality scanner to upload their fingerprints.
Aims: When will PIA flights resume?
CG: Inshallah, it’s on the cards. PIA officials have informed me that there is a procedural clearance pending , otherwise PIA has already signed the contracts for human resources, catering, and even the aircrafts are ready.
Aims: We need to organise the tour of British-born young children to Pakistan?
CG: We can facilitate the visits to different areas as well security of the delegation and arrange their meetings. I would request to propose some practical steps and as Consul General, I will support them. It’s a good idea to arrange the tours for the youth. It’s more important for the community to participate in the local activities and participate in local politics and society If Overseas Pakistanis are strong, our country will become stronger. Overseas Pakistanis are our strength.
Aims: Pakistani export is depriving?
CG: I will arrange a separate meeting on trade and commerce.
Aims: What are you doing for Pakistani students and professionals?
CG: I directed our Community Welfare Attaché to develop a new portal, where we will start online registration of our students, professionals and our business companies, and help them to find jobs. We are also ready to help the students if they have some issues with local authorities. Our Community Welfare staff is trying to create awareness for this purpose.
Aims: What’s your message for the Pakistani community:
CG: The Pakistani community in Manchester is thriving and making meaningful contributions across all segments of society. Community members are encouraged to participate actively in every aspect of civic life, including joining local political parties to ensure their voices are heard. Fostering unity and cooperation is essential for playing a positive role in society and utilizing the many platforms available for engagement. It is important to focus on constructive activities that benefit both the community and society as a whole. The community possesses significant strength and should work collectively to maximize its positive impact. As Consul General, merit, respect, and strengthening systems are always priorities.
