ISLAMABAD, 11 June 2026 —
The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Islamabad commemorated the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with a diplomatic reception held on 11 June 2026 at the Marriott Hotel Islamabad.
The celebration was graced by H.E. Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, as Chief Guest. Mr. Murtaza Solangi, Presidential Spokesperson, attended as Guest of Honor and conveyed a special message on behalf of H.E. Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The event brought together senior officials of the Government of Pakistan, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the business community, members of the media, friends of the Philippines, and members of the Filipino community in Pakistan in a celebration of Philippine independence, heritage, and the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Pakistan.
In his remarks, H.E. Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Pakistan, underscored the enduring significance of Philippine independence while emphasizing the importance of international interdependence in today’s increasingly interconnected world. Referring to the recent devastating earthquake that struck the southern Philippines, the Ambassador noted that although the tragedy continues to weigh heavily upon the Filipino people, it also revealed the resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit of the nation. He stressed that while Filipinos hold their independence as something sacred, no country today can truly prosper in isolation, making cooperation among nations both necessary and beneficial.
Ambassador Fernandez likewise highlighted the strong and steadily growing relations between the Philippines and Pakistan, particularly in the areas of people-to-people exchanges, economic cooperation, and political engagement grounded in shared values. He cited the valuable contributions of the more than 3,500 Filipinos living and working in Pakistan in fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries, as well as ongoing efforts to strengthen educational linkages and expand trade and investment relations. The Ambassador also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to working closely with Pakistan and other like-minded nations in promoting peace, mutual respect, sovereignty, and a rules-based international order.
In the message delivered on behalf of President Asif Ali Zardari, Mr. Murtaza Solangi extended Pakistan’s heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of the Philippines on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day. President Zardari noted that as the Philippines and Pakistan prepare to mark 77 years of diplomatic relations later this year, both countries can take pride in a relationship founded on mutual respect, goodwill, and a shared commitment to advancing the welfare and prosperity of their peoples.
The President emphasized that the Philippines and Pakistan share a strong commitment to multilateral cooperation, including within the United Nations and ASEAN-related frameworks, and expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to grow with renewed energy and purpose. He also highlighted the considerable promise of economic cooperation between the two countries, citing opportunities to expand trade, business-to-business engagement, joint ventures, and policy collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, food security, healthcare, education, information technology, renewable energy, and defense cooperation.
President Zardari likewise expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the Philippines to the Pakistani community residing in the country, recognizing their important role in strengthening people-to-people ties and serving as bridges of friendship between the two nations. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working with partners such as the Philippines in addressing global challenges, including climate change, sustainable development, and the pursuit of a more equitable international order.
In his remarks, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain underscored the importance Pakistan attaches to its relations with the Philippines and reaffirmed his country’s desire to further strengthen and diversify bilateral engagement. He noted that relations between the two countries continue to move on an upward trajectory, characterized by growing cooperation across political, economic, commercial, educational, cultural, social, and defense sectors.
The Minister highlighted the substantial increase in bilateral trade, which grew from USD 143 million in Fiscal Year 2023 to USD 268.3 million in Fiscal Year 2025, as well as the growing importance of services trade between the two countries. He also cited the successful convening of the Second Meeting of the Pakistan–Philippines Joint Economic Commission in February 2026 as an important milestone in advancing structured economic dialogue and mutually beneficial economic initiatives.
Minister Hussain further congratulated the Philippines on its successful hosting of the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu under its ASEAN Chairmanship, noting ASEAN’s growing role as a key pillar of regional cooperation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s interest in strengthening engagement with ASEAN as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner and expressed confidence that closer Philippines–Pakistan cooperation would contribute positively to broader regional connectivity and cooperation.
The Minister also conveyed Pakistan’s heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the Filipino people following the recent earthquake in Mindanao, expressing sympathy for the affected families and communities and support for ongoing recovery efforts.
The presence of Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain as Chief Guest and the message conveyed by President Zardari underscored the importance Pakistan attaches to its longstanding friendship with the Philippines and reflected the shared commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation across a broad range of areas, including trade, investment, agriculture, education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
The reception also provided an opportunity to recognize the valuable contributions of the Filipino community in Pakistan. Ambassador Fernandez commended overseas Filipinos for their professionalism, resilience, and dedication, noting that they continue to serve as important bridges of friendship and goodwill between the Filipino and Pakistani peoples.
The evening featured cultural presentations, Philippine cuisine, and changes among guests from government, diplomacy, business, academia, media, and the Filipino community, highlighting the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage and its commitment to fostering stronger international partnerships.
The Philippines celebrates Independence Day every 12 June, commemorating the proclamation of Philippine independence in 1898 and honoring the enduring values of freedom, sovereignty, democracy, and national unity. END
