The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, in partnership with the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR) and the Embassy of Tunisia, marked Tunisia’s 70th Independence Day with a gathering that opened with the national anthems of Pakistan and Tunisia and was moderated by Dr. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors ISSI, highlighted the resilience of the Tunisian people and recalled Pakistan’s historic support for Tunisia since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1957. He stressed that Tunisia Pakistan ties now have room to expand beyond modest trade, pointing to opportunities in textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and manufacturing supported by mechanisms such as the Joint Ministerial Commission, Bilateral Political Consultations and potential leverage under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Dr. Amina Khan said the 70th anniversary celebrates Tunisia’s forward-looking spirit and ongoing economic transformation. She noted that under Pakistan’s Engage Africa policy, CAMEA has begun a programme of regularly celebrating national days of African countries to underscore Pakistan’s commitment to the continent, and confirmed the event was organised in close cooperation with the Tunisian Embassy.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President PAIDAR and the event’s chief guest, praised Tunisia’s leadership in African politics and recalled Pakistan’s early support for Tunisian independence. He referenced Tunisia’s role as host to the PLO in the 1990s and emphasised shared positions on Palestine, urging deeper trade, education and cultural exchanges and stronger people-to-people and business links among Global South partners.
Tunisian Charge d’Affaires Ms. Dorsaf Maaroufi underlined long-standing historical ties and Pakistan’s backing for Tunisia at forums such as the United Nations. She urged stronger bilateral trade through a Preferential Trade Agreement, greater cultural and tourism connections and highlighted Tunisia’s expertise in organic olive oil as a clear opportunity for cooperation and technology transfer.
Ambassador Javed Ahmed Umrani reported positive momentum in bilateral economic engagement, noting a 17-member Pakistani business delegation visited Tunisia last year, resulting in productive meetings and several memoranda of understanding. He said business communities and chambers on both sides must now work to convert these steps into tangible trade growth.
Honorary Consuls also spoke on expanding practical ties. Mr. Ammad Rasheed described efforts in Peshawar and across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to build bridges between business communities and raise awareness of Tunisia as a gateway to Europe and Africa. Mr. Mohammad Hameed underlined the need to finalise trade agreements to unlock opportunities in textiles and said technology transfer in the olive oil sector could yield direct benefits for Pakistan.
The gathering reinforced that Tunisia Pakistan ties are rooted in shared history and now oriented toward pragmatic economic and cultural cooperation. Participants agreed that strengthening trade agreements, promoting sectoral partnerships and expanding people-to-people exchanges will be key to translating goodwill into sustained bilateral engagement.
