Report : Tazeen Akhtar | Islamabad
Camera : Raja Ghulam Farid
Pakistan and Portugal have pledged to enhancing bilateral cooperation in all spheres to tab the potential between two countries. Pakistan sees trade, investment, textiles, agriculture, renewable energy, and IT as promising sectors. Pakistan emphasizes the need for safe, legal employment pathways and training programs for skilled Pakistani workers migrating to Europe, recognizing the growing Pakistani community in Portugal (numbering over 20,000) as a “living bridge” that connects the two nations.
On the Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities, Ambassador H.E Paulo Guedes Domingues and Spouse Ms Carla hosted a grand reception at Serena Hotels Islamabad on 16 June 2026.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development was the Chief Guest while four other ministers and Governor Sindh were also present depicting the strong bilateral relations between the two countries. The ministers included Mian Mueen Wattoo, Federal Minister for Water Resources, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah, Federal minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice, Qaiser Sheikh,Federal minister Investment and Syed Nehal Hashmi, Governor of Sindh.
The special evening of Portugal was graced by a large number of friends from across Pakistan’s State institutions, the diplomatic corps, the armed forces, the business community, academia, civil society and the media.
Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain, on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of Portugal and expressed his determination to further strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries.
He said that there are vast opportunities for cooperation between Pakistan and Portugal in the fields of trade, investment, textiles, agriculture, renewable energy and information technology, while the Pakistani community living in Portugal is playing the role of a strong bridge between the two countries.
The Federal Minister also stressed the need to further promote legal employment opportunities for skilled Pakistani manpower and mutual economic cooperation.
Ambassador H.E Paulo Guedes Domingues welcoming the guests said, “Your presence greatly honours Portugal. It reflects the excellent state of relations between our two countries and highlights areas of significant potential for cooperation in which Portugal is fully committed to working together with Pakistan for the benefit of our peoples.”
Mentioning his recent arrival and first national day in Pakistan, Ambassador said, “Since our arrival, we have been deeply touched by the warmth, kindness and generosity of the Pakistani people. Indeed, after only a few weeks here, I began to wonder whether this city’s name is entirely accurate. Perhaps, given the extraordinary welcome we have received, it should be called not Islamabad, but Islamabest.”
On high note about the hospitality of Pakistanis , H.E Domnigues said, “I say this with complete sincerity. Having served in different parts of the world, I can honestly say that I cannot imagine a better diplomatic posting for us at this time. Pakistan has welcomed us with such warmth that we truly feel at home. As Pakistanis say, “Mehman Nawazi” is one of the country’s greatest traditions. Carla and I have experienced that hospitality every single day.”
Ambassador noted , Today we celebrate Portugal. We celebrate our history, our culture, our language and our values. We celebrate Luís de Camões, whose work reminds us that openness to the world and dialogue between cultures are sources of strength. And we celebrate Portuguese communities across the globe, who build bridges between countries, cultures and people every day.
H.E said, If there is one idea that defines Portugal’s place in the world, it is simple: Portugal believes in building bridges, not walls.
Bilateral Relations
Ambassador said, “Both countries celebrate the 76th anniversary of diplomatic relations: 76 years of friendship, dialogue and mutual respect this year. Portugal and Pakistan may be geographically distant, yet our interests increasingly converge. Our peoples are becoming closer and our partnership is growing stronger. Today, our relationship can be expressed in two simple Urdu words: Dosti aur Bharosa — friendship and trust.
“Increasingly, it is also a partnership of opportunity, innovation and shared ambition.
Over the past months, I have met political leaders, entrepreneurs, academics, students and representatives of civil society across Pakistan. These encounters have only reinforced one conviction: the best chapters of Portugal–Pakistan relations are still ahead of us, H.E continued.
“Our political dialogue is intensifying. Our economic ties are expanding. Academic exchanges are growing. And people-to-people links are becoming stronger every day, Ambassador underlined.
The forthcoming Bilateral Political Consultations in Islamabad and the planned visit later this year of the Portuguese Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation demonstrate the ambition that both governments share.
Ambassador hailed the growing number of Pakistani citizens choosing Portugal to study, work, invest and build their futures. He said, today, approximately 50,000 Pakistanis call Portugal home. Their contribution to Portuguese society is deeply valued, and they are among the strongest ambassadors of friendship between our two nations.
“Portugal and Pakistan may stand at opposite ends of the map, but friendship is not measured in kilometres. It is measured in trust, goodwill and the willingness to build a common future, H.E said.
Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon
Ambassador mentioned the special bond that unites Portugal with the Ismaili community. Portugal is honoured to host the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon. The legacy of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV continues to inspire us through his commitment to dialogue, education and human development.
This has also been an important year for Portugal internationally.
He shared that Portugal was recently elected to the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027–2028. This election reflects confidence in Portugal’s longstanding commitment to peace, dialogue and multilateral cooperation.
Ambassador expressed sincere gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for its valuable support for Portugal’s candidature. He said, we deeply appreciate this gesture of friendship and trust. Portugal looks forward to working closely with Pakistan at the United Nations and beyond.
Pakistani Mediation for Peace
Ambassador underlined that we live in a time of conflict, geopolitical tensions and uncertainty. At moments like these, diplomacy matters more than ever. The world needs countries willing to build bridges, facilitate dialogue and promote peaceful solutions.
He said, Portugal values the increasingly constructive role that Pakistan is playing in promoting dialogue and supporting peaceful solutions to international challenges. We particularly recognise Pakistan’s contribution to recent diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and creating conditions for dialogue and peace in a highly complex regional environment.
“The historic agreement due to be signed in Geneva later this week, hosted and mediated by Pakistan, is a powerful reminder that diplomacy can still prevail over conflict and that dialogue remains the surest path to peace “
Ambassador H.E Paulo Guedes Domingues
Ambassador said, at a time of heightened uncertainty, countries that help create channels of communication perform an important service to international peace and stability. Portugal welcomes, encourages and commends these efforts. And tonight, allow me to say quite simply: thank you, Pakistan. Because Portugal and Pakistan share a fundamental conviction: dialogue is always stronger than confrontation.
Ambassador Domingues appreciated all who play role in the performance of the embassy and hosting of the reception. He thanked his spouse Ms Carla, and said, her support has been invaluable. He paid tributes to the outstanding team of the Embassy of Portugal in Islamabad, Honorary Consuls in Lahore and Karachi,sponsors and partners whose generosity has made this celebration possible.
In particular, he mentioned EnSmile, Gerry’s Group, Paynest, Shahzad International, Saif Group, MGA Industries, The City School, Shelozon Logistics and Nando’s.
The evening let the guests discover a little more of Portugal, to enjoy some of the flavours most dear to the Portuguese people: beloved bacalhau, famous piri-piri chicken and, the irresistible pastel de nata.
And since the World Cup is now underway, the guests met Portugal’s most famous ambassador, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was symbolically present there made of cardboard.
