ISLAMABAD, 23 October 2026—The ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI), chaired by Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, paid a joint courtesy call on Pakistan’s newly appointed Foreign Secretary, H.E. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on 23 October 2026.

The meeting brought together Heads of Mission and representatives of the seven ASEAN Member States represented in Islamabad—Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam—to reaffirm the longstanding ASEAN–Pakistan partnership and explore opportunities for deeper cooperation in political, economic, cultural and security affairs.

Foreign Secretary Ahmad welcomed the ASEAN delegation and expressed appreciation for the Committee’s active role in promoting engagement between Pakistan and Southeast Asia. Drawing on his previous diplomatic assignment in Thailand, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening relations with ASEAN and its Member States. The Foreign Secretary also recognized ASEAN’s experience in fostering regional cooperation through ASEAN centrality and welcomed continued collaboration in trade, investment, security, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Ambassador Fernandez, speaking as ACI Chair, congratulated Foreign Secretary Ahmad on his appointment and reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to further strengthening its partnership with Pakistan, an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner since 1993. He highlighted the ACI’s ongoing initiatives to deepen engagement with Pakistan’s business community, academic institutions and youth, including its forthcoming official outreach to Karachi, where ASEAN representatives are scheduled to meet business and academic stakeholders.

The ASEAN representatives also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, halal industries, cultural and religious tourism, professional exchanges and investment. The meeting further addressed the growing challenge of cybercrime and online scams affecting countries across Asia.

Ambassador Fernandez expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts to combat cybercrime and emphasized the importance of closer coordination between law enforcement authorities and diplomatic missions in addressing transnational online fraud. He highlighted the need for timely consular notification, appropriate access to foreign nationals affected by criminal investigations, and language assistance where necessary, while reaffirming ASEAN Member States’ respect for Pakistan’s laws and judicial processes.

Foreign Secretary Ahmad acknowledged the importance and complexity of the issue and expressed readiness to facilitate further coordination with the ASEAN missions through the Ministry’s relevant offices.

The engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of ASEAN and Pakistan to strengthening their longstanding partnership, expanding practical cooperation and addressing common challenges through dialogue and mutual respect. END