Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday attended the 128th Independence Day celebration of the Republic of the Philippines as the chief guest and reaffirmed Sindh’s commitment to strengthening relations between Pakistan and the Philippines in trade, agriculture, information technology, social welfare, and people-to-people exchanges.
Addressing the gathering, Shah extended heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of the Philippines on behalf of the government and people of Sindh. He described the Philippines’ Independence Day as a symbol of courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to freedom, sovereignty, and progress.
The event was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Pakistan Dr Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Alicia Kalaw-Fernandez, Honorary Consul General of the Philippines in Karachi Dr Imran Yousuf, diplomats, business leaders, members of the Filipino community, and distinguished guests. The CM said Pakistan and the Philippines can further expand cooperation in trade, agriculture, information technology, education, healthcare, tourism, and cultural exchanges for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
He said Pakistan and the Philippines enjoy warm and friendly relations founded on mutual respect, shared values, and cooperation across diverse sectors. He noted with satisfaction that trade between the two countries has reached approximately $370 million annually, with Pakistan’s exports accounting for nearly $350 million, reflecting the strength of the economic partnership and its significant growth potential.
Highlighting Sindh’s contribution to bilateral trade, the CM Sindh said the Philippines remains an important destination for Pakistan’s rice exports, particularly IRRI-6 and IRRI-9 varieties produced in Larkana and other parts of Sindh. He welcomed further cooperation in agriculture and appreciated the confidence reposed by the Philippines in the quality of Sindh’s agricultural products.
He also underscored the opportunities for collaboration in information technology and business process outsourcing, noting that the Philippines has emerged as a global leader in the sector. He said institutions in Sindh, including the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Human Resource Research and Development Board (BBSHRRDB), are actively exploring partnerships and knowledge-sharing initiatives with their Philippine counterparts.
Referring to cooperation in social welfare, Shah appreciated the engagement between the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) of the Philippines and Sindh’s Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD). He said such collaboration would help both sides exchange best practices and strengthen efforts to build more inclusive societies.
He also lauded the Philippines Consulate’s social responsibility initiatives, particularly its focus on children with autism. He expressed pleasure over the participation of stalls representing DEPD, BBSHRRDB, and autism-related initiatives at the event, describing them as a reflection of the shared commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and human development.
Shah said Karachi has always embraced diversity, friendship, and international cooperation, adding that the Filipino community has enriched the city’s social and cultural fabric through its professionalism, dedication, and valuable contributions in various fields.
He said Pakistan and the Philippines can further expand cooperation in trade, agriculture, information technology, education, healthcare, tourism, and cultural exchanges for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
