Chairman of the Senate, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, has called for stronger Pakistan-Germany relations through increased economic cooperation, investment, education and parliamentary exchanges, saying 75 years of diplomatic ties provide a strong foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership.
Addressing a gathering to mark German Unity Day, attended by German Ambassador Ina Lepel, diplomats and other dignitaries, Gilani congratulated the German leadership and people on behalf of Pakistan’s Parliament, government and people.
He described the occasion as a symbol of unity, resilience and shared prosperity. He also highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two countries, strengthened by the contributions of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Dr Ruth Pfau.
The Senate chairman appreciated Germany’s continued support for Pakistan in development cooperation, climate action, women’s empowerment and human development.
He stressed the need for continued German support for Pakistan’s participation in the GSP Plus arrangement. He also identified Special Economic Zones, renewable energy, information technology, industrial development and value-added manufacturing as key areas for greater German investment and business cooperation. Highlighting people-to-people ties, Gilani appreciated the contributions of Pakistani students studying at German universities. He expressed hope that delays in student and family-reunion visas would receive due attention.
He also welcomed cooperation in skilled labour mobility and called for greater collaboration in technology, research and industrial development, including defence-related ventures in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Emphasising parliamentary diplomacy, Gilani called for regular exchanges between the parliaments of Pakistan and Germany and closer consultations on regional and international issues to promote peace, stability and prosperity.
He invited the German leadership to visit Pakistan and expressed confidence that continued engagement would further strengthen the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik has called for stronger Pakistan-Germany cooperation in green startups, sustainable innovation and research, saying the two countries could take their longstanding relationship to new heights through climate-friendly initiatives.
Addressing a celebration of the Day of German Unity here Friday, the minister said that Pakistan wanted to work with Germany’s innovation ecosystem to promote green entrepreneurship and develop sustainable solutions with the potential to expand globally.
“We want to do a startup revolution, all things green, all things sustainable,” he said, explaining that the government wanted researchers and young innovators to develop businesses based on their ideas rather than relying solely on grants.
The minister said that Pakistan’s challenging environmental conditions, including floods, made it important to develop innovative solutions that could also prove viable internationally.
He expressed the hope that cooperation with Germany’s innovation system would help establish a green startup ecosystem and strengthen long-term bilateral ties through research, new ideas and sustainable development.
Highlighting the importance of economic cooperation, Musadik Malik described Germany as one of Pakistan’s closest partners and friends and its largest trading partner. He said that the government was committed to meeting the standards required to maintain Pakistan’s GSP Plus status, emphasising that the country sought to demonstrate its commitment rather than ask for concessions. He said that Pakistan wanted to strengthen its economic and trade relations with Germany and build on the existing partnership.
Reflecting on the message of German Unity, the minister said the reunification of the two parts of Germany demonstrated the power of people’s will, love and togetherness. “It tells us that walls can be raised, but walls can also be shattered, and walls can also be broken,” he said, adding that unity achieved through love and togetherness was more enduring.
He said people shared more common ground than differences arising from languages, cultures and religions, and stressed the importance of recognizing their common humanity.
The minister also highlighted historical connections between Pakistan and Germany, recalling that Allama Muhammad Iqbal had travelled to Heidelberg, studied Goethe and learned German. He expressed gratitude for Germany’s recognition of Iqbal through the naming of a road after him.
He also recalled the contribution of a German woman, Ruth, who had stopped in Karachi while travelling to India because of visa difficulties and subsequently devoted the remainder of her life to serving people affected by leprosy in Pakistan.
The minister said her decision to remain in Pakistan reflected the humanitarian bonds between the two countries.
Offering greetings on behalf of the prime minister, Musadik Malik congratulated Germany on the celebration and praised the peaceful coming together of its two parts. He also noted that Oct 15 marked the 75th year of Pakistan-Germany relations, describing the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate their shared commitment to friendship, humanity and sustainability. The minister concluded by expressing hope that continued cooperation between the two countries would strengthen their partnership and advance sustainable development.