Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah 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, the CM 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, Hon Consul General of the Philippines in Karachi Dr Imran Yousuf, diplomats, business leaders, members of the Filipino community, and distinguished guests.
Murad Ali Shah said that 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 bilateral 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 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.
The chief minister also underscored the opportunities for collaboration in information technology and business process outsourcing (BPO), 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, Murad 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).
The CM 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.
The chief minister once again congratulated the Ambassador, the Consulate, and the Filipino community on the occasion and expressed his best wishes for continued peace, prosperity, and progress for the Philippines.