Business Forum to Unlock Commercial Opportunities, Says Pakistani Deputy PM

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, has highlighted the upcoming Maldives–Pakistan Business Forum as a vital catalyst for economic growth, stating that the initiative will foster closer commercial ties and unlock new trade opportunities between both nations.

The comments came during a courtesy call on Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu as part of his official three-day State Visit to Pakistan from 20 to 22 October, undertaken at the invitation of Pakistani Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

Accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation, the visit marks the first Maldivian presidential trip to Pakistan in over a decade.

As per the President’s Office, during the high-level meeting, President Muizzu expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the host nation and emphasised the Maldives’ commitment to expanding bilateral relations. Conveying warm regards from Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Dar echoed this sentiment, identifying trade, investment, education, climate action, and tourism as strategic areas for future joint collaboration.

Further reinforcing the diplomatic and economic focus of the visit, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari commended the Maldives’ growing tourism sector and expressed confidence that a series of newly signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will elevate bilateral relations to new heights. President Zardari also noted the Pakistani public’s appreciation for a Maldivian head of state visiting Islamabad after a decade-long hiatus.

The discussions took place during a high-level meeting at the official presidential residence, Aiwan-e-Sadr, where President Muizzu and President Zardari addressed avenues to strengthen diplomatic ties while expanding cooperation across trade, education, health, and capacity building. The President’s Office informs that, following their bilateral talks, President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha attended a State Banquet hosted in their honour by President Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr, joined by cabinet ministers and senior officials from both governments.

Alongside the official proceedings, the President’s Office notes that the social priorities featured prominently during parallel engagements. First Lady Sajidha held separate official discussions with Pakistan’s First Lady and Member of the National Assembly, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, on the sidelines of the state reception.

During their dialogue at Aiwan-e-Sadr, both First Ladies reaffirmed their shared commitment to close cooperation on social issues and the advancement of vulnerable communities. Ms Zardari welcomed the Maldivian delegation and expressed satisfaction at the bilateral engagement, while First Lady Sajidha commended Ms Zardari’s sustained advocacy in public health and women’s health awareness.

The conversation centred on strengthening collaboration across education, healthcare delivery, and community well-being, states the President’s Office, with a specific focus on preventive healthcare, addressing non-communicable diseases, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Both First Ladies also underscored their joint commitment to championing the empowerment of women and girls by dismantling socio-economic barriers to education, societal participation, and leadership roles.