ISLAMABAD, Oct 16: Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik has urged Pakistan and Germany to expand cooperation in green startups, sustainable innovation and research, saying joint work on climate-friendly solutions can add new strength to bilateral relations.
Addressing a ceremony held to mark the Day of German Unity, the minister said Pakistan wanted to benefit from Germany’s innovation and research ecosystem to promote environment-friendly enterprises and develop sustainable solutions that could also be scaled globally.
“We want to do a startup revolution, all things green, all things sustainable,” he said, stressing that researchers and young innovators should be encouraged to convert their ideas into workable businesses instead of relying only on grants.
Dr Malik said Pakistan’s exposure to serious environmental challenges, particularly floods, made it essential to pursue innovative solutions that could meet local needs while creating opportunities for international growth.
He voiced the hope that cooperation with German research and innovation institutions would help build a strong green startup ecosystem in Pakistan, support young entrepreneurs and contribute to sustainable development.
Referring to economic ties, the minister described Germany as one of Pakistan’s closest partners and its largest trading partner. He said there was a need to further strengthen trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
He said Pakistan was committed to fulfilling the requirements needed to retain its GSP Plus status, adding that the country wanted to prove its compliance with relevant standards rather than ask for concessions.
Speaking about the historical importance of German reunification, Dr Malik said the reunion of the two parts of Germany reflected the lasting strength of public will, love and solidarity.
“Walls can be raised, but walls can also be shattered, and walls can also be broken,” he said, adding that unity based on mutual respect and shared humanity was more durable than divisions rooted in language, culture or religion.
The minister also referred to the historical and cultural links between Pakistan and Germany, recalling Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s connection with Heidelberg and his interest in the works of German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. He appreciated Germany’s recognition of Iqbal through the naming of a road after the Pakistani philosopher and poet.
Dr Malik also paid tribute to German-born Ruth Pfau, who stayed in Pakistan and devoted her life to fighting leprosy and serving affected communities. He said her work reflected the longstanding humanitarian bonds between the two countries.
Conveying greetings on behalf of the prime minister, the minister congratulated Germany on the occasion and praised the peaceful reunification of the country.
He noted that Oct 15 marked the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-Germany relations, saying the milestone provided an opportunity to renew the shared commitment of both countries to friendship, humanitarian cooperation and sustainability.
Dr Malik expressed the hope that deeper cooperation in innovation, research and green entrepreneurship would give fresh momentum to Pakistan-Germany relations and help advance sustainable development in both countries.
