KARACHI: The Pakistan and German flags welcomed you at one end of the lane leading to the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany. Entering the premises one was pleasantly greeted by hostesses wearing sashes in German flag colours as the waiters wore matching waistcoats. The 36th anniversary of German Unity Day and the celebration of Germany’s 75 years of diplomatic relations with Pakistan at the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany on Thursday was indeed a day to remember.
There was beautiful music by some wonderful young musicians from the Arts Council of Pakistan, whose lead vocalist, Hamza Johar, also sang the national anthems of both the countries. There was also remembrance of the days gone by.
While speaking on the occasion, the Consul General of Germany, Thomas Schultze, said that Germany and the European Union have been reliable partners for Pakistan for decades. ‘German importers are reliable customers of not only Pakistani textiles, leather-ware and sports articles but also of surgicalinstruments, IT-services and more. Pakistanicompanies trust German machinery as these are reliable and the spare parts remain available even for old machines, he said.
‘These close business relations have also led to friendships between family-run SMEs in Germany and Pakistan, in some cases already in the second generation.
Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of the German economy and the same applies to Pakistan as among us are a number of owners of successful family enterprises. Still, our people-to-people relations are even far more intense and diversified,’ the German CG added.
He also remembered Pakistan’s philosopher poet Dr Allama Mohammad Iqbal who studied and lived in Heidelberg and Munich in Germany in 1907 and Dr Ruth Pfau who devoted more than 55 years of her life to fighting and eradicating leprosy in Pakistan.
The significance of the Goethe Institut in promoting the German language and culture here was also not forgotten.
Finally, on a sentimental note, the CG said that the unification of Germany did not only change the country once and forever but also quite significantly changed the entire political landscape in Europe.
‘After World War II, Germany became friends with France overcoming centuries of conflicts. The European Union of 27 countries, created one common market to the benefit of all member states and importers, too. Foes can become friends and friendship leads to economic progress that is beneficial for all,’ he concluded.On the occasion, Provincial Minister for Energy Nasir Hussain Shah said that when both the West and East Germany came together in 1990, it showed the world that walls may divide people but they cannot defeat their hopes. He also said that Pakistan’s ties with Germany have been built on learning and service. ‘Our great poet Allama Mohammad Iqbal’s higher studies at the University of Heidelberg and his PhD at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich remains an important link between our countries. Dr Ruth Pfau also left a lasting legacy of care and friendship between our people,’ he said, adding that the 75-year friendship between Pakistan and Germany is built on respect, trust, peace and progress, which includes trade.
‘Trade and business are an important part of our relations with Germany. Our friendship is built on business specially and Germany is Pakistan’s largest export market in the European Union. Our trade reached approximately 4.2 billion US dollars in 2025 with Pakistani exports exceeding 3.2 billion dollars,’ he said. ‘On behalf of the Government of Sindh, our message to the German people is that we are open for business. We welcome your investment and your partnership,’ he said.
The governor of Sindh, Syed Mohammad Nehal Hashmi, also added to that by saying that when going to buy anything from the market, if one is looking for sustainability, German products are the best. ‘They know how to craft. They know how to build,’ he said.