ISLAMABAD, 30 October 2026—The ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI), under the Chairship of the Philippines, concluded its two-day official outreach to Karachi on 30 October 2026 with courtesy calls on the Governor and Chief Minister of Sindh, a commemorative tree-planting ceremony, and participation in the World Culture Festival Karachi 2026, strengthening ASEAN–Pakistan engagement across economic, environmental, institutional, and cultural fields.
The delegation was led by the Philippine Ambassador and ACI Chair, H.E. Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, and comprised the Malaysian High Commissioner, H.E. Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan; the Ambassadors of Myanmar, H.E. Mr. Wunna Han; Thailand, H.E. Mr. Rongvudhi Virabutr; and Indonesia, H.E. Lt. General (R) Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo. Brunei Darussalam was represented by its Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Hj. Khairurrijal Hazim, while Viet Nam was represented by Ms. Nguyen Thi Diep Ha, Head of the Viet Nam Trade Office in Karachi. They were accompanied by diplomatic and other officials from the seven ASEAN Member States represented in Pakistan.
Strengthening Relations with the Governor of Sindh
The day’s engagements began at the Governor House in Karachi, where the ASEAN delegation paid a courtesy call on Sindh Governor H.E. Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi.
The Governor welcomed the visiting diplomats and highlighted the importance of stronger relations between Pakistan and ASEAN Member States, recognizing ASEAN’s contribution to regional cooperation and the value of collective action in addressing shared economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Discussions emphasized the importance of sustained international cooperation, particularly in responding to climate change, environmental degradation, and natural disasters that affect countries across national boundaries.
Ambassador Fernandez likewise emphasized the importance of strengthening ASEAN–Pakistan relations through practical cooperation and shared responsibility. He highlighted the need for collective efforts in addressing environmental challenges and fostering closer relations between countries and peoples.
ASEAN Corner: Navigating a Greener Future, Together
The Governor House engagement included a commemorative tree-planting ceremony at the ASEAN Corner within the Quaid-e-Azam Forest.
Held under the theme “ASEAN–Pakistan: Navigating a Greener Future, Together,” the activity brought together the Governor and ASEAN diplomatic representatives to plant trees as a symbolic expression of friendship, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience.
The establishment of the ASEAN Corner was conceived as a lasting symbol of ASEAN–Pakistan goodwill and a tangible expression of their shared interest in environmental stewardship.
The activity also reflected the importance of nurturing international relationships through sustained cooperation, just as trees require care and attention to grow and endure.
Expanding Economic and Institutional Cooperation with Sindh
The delegation subsequently paid a joint courtesy call on Sindh Chief Minister H.E. Syed Murad Ali Shah at the Chief Minister House in Karachi.
The engagement focused on opportunities to strengthen economic and institutional relations between Sindh and ASEAN Member States, particularly through trade, investment, industrial cooperation, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
Chief Minister Shah welcomed the ASEAN delegation and invited Philippine and other ASEAN businesses to explore investment opportunities in Sindh, highlighting the province’s potential in agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, information technology, energy, minerals, manufacturing, logistics, and tourism.
The Chief Minister discussed Sindh’s interest in attracting foreign investment and encouraging greater private-sector participation, including through business partnerships, technology transfer, and closer institutional connections.
ASEAN representatives exchanged perspectives on the economic opportunities offered by their respective countries and explored avenues for strengthening commercial, educational, and cultural links with Sindh.
The discussions underscored the potential value of continued engagement among provincial authorities, diplomatic missions, and private-sector institutions in identifying practical opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Promoting Cultural Diplomacy at the World Culture Festival Karachi 2026
In the evening, the ASEAN delegation attended the opening ceremony of the World Culture Festival Karachi 2026 at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi.
Organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, the international cultural gathering brought together artists, performers, cultural practitioners, diplomatic representatives, and guests from Pakistan and abroad in a celebration of cultural diversity and artistic expression.
The festival provided a platform for promoting intercultural understanding, artistic exchange, and friendship among peoples with different histories, languages, traditions, and cultural experiences.
The delegation’s participation reflected the importance of cultural diplomacy as a complement to traditional political and economic engagement, allowing countries to strengthen mutual understanding through direct interaction and shared cultural experiences.
The day’s activities concluded with the World Culture Festival Karachi 2026 Welcoming Dinner for International Artists at the Bungalow Lawn of Beach Luxury Hotel, hosted by Mr. Mohammad Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi.
The dinner provided an informal setting for engagement among international artists, cultural representatives, members of Pakistan’s creative community, and participating diplomatic representatives.
Strengthening ASEAN–Pakistan Relations Beyond Islamabad
The engagements on 30 October concluded the ACI’s two-day outreach to Karachi, which brought ASEAN representatives into direct dialogue with provincial authorities, business leaders, academic institutions, students, and cultural stakeholders.
Under the Philippine Chairship, the outreach highlighted the breadth of ASEAN–Pakistan cooperation and the importance of sustained interaction beyond national capitals.
Through engagements spanning economic diplomacy, education, environmental sustainability, provincial cooperation, and cultural exchanges, the ACI reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger institutional partnerships and closer relations between the peoples of ASEAN and Pakistan. END
