ISLAMABAD, 7 September 2026–The Philippine Embassy in Islamabad received Her Excellency Mme. Misbah Khar, Advisor to the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, and Ambassador for the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), during a courtesy call held at the Embassy.
During the call, Mme. Khar and Ambassador Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines, reaffirmed the 77 years of longstanding friendship between Pakistan and the Philippines. Both sides underscored the many commonalities between the two countries, including young and dynamic populations, shared experiences in responding to natural disasters, and a mutual interest in promoting economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges.
Digitalization and Institutional Innovation
Mme. Khar apprised Ambassador Fernandez of an important initiative in the Senate of Pakistan—the launch of a new Senate mobile application, aimed at enhancing internal efficiency, promoting digital record-keeping, and reducing reliance on paper-based processes. She extended an invitation to the Ambassador to attend the inaugural launch of the Senate app, scheduled for the following day.
Ambassador Fernandez welcomed the initiative, noting that such efforts toward digitalization and e-governance open new avenues for parliamentary cooperation, capacity building, and knowledge-sharing between the legislatures of Pakistan and the Philippines.
Prospects for Economic, Labor, and Educational Cooperation
The discussion also covered potential areas of future collaboration, particularly in:
– Information Technology and Digital Services – recognizing the Philippines’ more advanced IT and BPO sectors and Pakistan’s growing young IT talent, both sides saw potential for joint initiatives, training, and technology exchange.
– Labor and Diaspora Engagement – Mme. Khar highlighted the presence of a Filipino diaspora in Pakistan, notably in the medical sector and other professional fields, and noted their positive contribution to Pakistani society.
– Education and Scholarships – The two sides exchanged ideas on possible scholarship opportunities, including in medical education, that could further deepen people-to-people ties, especially among youth.
– Trade and Investment – Mme. Khar mentioned promising avenues in fruits, textiles, and machinery, and encouraged exploring new sourcing options and market diversification between the two countries.
Cultural Exchange and Tourism
Mme. Khar invited Ambassador Fernandez to further explore Pakistan’s cultural and geographical diversity, noting the contrast between modern, cosmopolitan Islamabad and the more traditional and historic centers such as Multan and South Punjab, as well as the northern areas including Gilgit-Baltistan.
Ambassador Fernandez expressed keen interest in visiting more parts of Pakistan to better understand its local cultures, heritage, and tourism potential.
Both sides noted that such exchanges complement efforts in Manila and Islamabad to deepen cultural understanding and highlight tourism opportunities in both countries—from Pakistan’s historical cities and mountain landscapes to the Philippines’ modern urban centers and island destinations.
Commitment to Strengthening Bilateral and Parliamentary Ties
As Ambassador for the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), Mme. Khar emphasized the importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue in sustaining and expanding bilateral relations.
Ambassador Fernandez reaffirmed the Philippines’ interest in strengthening cooperation between the Philippine Congress and the Parliament of Pakistan, including through future exchanges, conferences, and visits.
Both Mme. Khar and Ambassador Fernandez agreed to maintain close communication and to explore concrete follow-up initiatives in the fields of digital governance, economic cooperation, and cultural and parliamentary engagement. END
