Embassy News - Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Islamabad, Pakistan

Embassy News

PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR STRENGTHENS BILATERAL TIES AND INTERCULTURAL ENGAGEMENTS DURING OFFICIAL VISIT TO KARACHI

Ambassador Emmanuel R. Fernandez undertook a three-day official visit to Karachi (on 6-8 December 2025) where he engaged with senior provincial officials, celebrated Pakistan's rich cultural heritage, and promoted intercultural engagements.

His visit began with a courtesy call on the Governor of Sindh, Mr. Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori, providing an opportunity to discuss potential areas of cooperation between the Philippines and Sindh, including intercultural exchange, education, and people-to-people partnerships. During the meeting, Ambassador Fernandez was also introduced to the Chief Minister of Sindh, Mr. Syed Murad Ali Shah Lakyari; and the Mayor of Karachi, Mr. Murtaza Wahab, aside from other provincial officials. On the side, he also attended the oath-taking ceremony of the new Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, Mr. Zafar Ahmed Rajput, highlighting the Philippines' respect for Pakistan's institutions and rule of law.

In the evening, Ambassador Fernandez was the Chief Guest at the Sindh Cultural Day Celebration held at the Pakistan Maritime Museum in Karsaz, Karachi.

On the second day, Ambassador Fernandez also graced the advance Christmas Celebration of the Filipino community in Karachi as the Chief Guest.

Later in the evening, he attended the closing ceremony of the World Culture Festival 2025 at the Arts Council of Pakistan-Karachi. The festival, held over 39 days, featured more than 1,000 artists from 142 countries and showcased a variety of performances highlighting peace, global solidarity, and climate awareness.

At the ceremony, Chief Minister Shah emphasized Karachi's identity as the cultural capital of Pakistan, describing the festival as an "unprecedented cultural achievement" and praising the role of art in building bridges across societies. Ambassador Fernandez warmly congratulated the government and people of Sindh on the successful event and reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy, fostering artistic exchanges, and promoting mutual understanding between the Philippines and Pakistan.

Ambassador Fernandez also expressed his appreciation to the Arts Council for organizing an inclusive and impactful festival that provided an invaluable platform for international artists, government officials, diplomatic representatives, and the Filipino community in Karachi-who contributed through traditional and cultural performances during the 39-day celebration-to engage in meaningful dialogue through art and culture.

On the third and final day of his visit, Ambassador Fernandez and the Philippine Honorary Consul General for Karachi (Dr. Imran Yousuf) were interviewed on the TV program, City 21, during which they took the opportunity to promote Philippine culture and advocate for deeper intercultural exchanges between Pakistan and the Philippines.

Ambassador Fernandez concluded the day with a visit to the office of Air Karachi where he had an opportunity to discuss with its founder, Mr. Muhammad Hanif Gohar, and Air Karachi's other top officials, the airline's plans.

Ambassador Fernandez's three-day official visit reflects the Philippine Embassy's continued efforts to enhance bilateral relations, support cultural initiatives, and promote peace, equality, and people-to-people ties in Pakistan. END

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Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines Islamabad, Pakistan

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