Report : Tazeen Akhtar | Camera : Raja Ghulam Farid
The Embassy of The Republic of the Union of Myanmar ( formerly Burma, till 1989) celebrated 78th Independence Day in Islamabad, Pakistan for the first time and that in a very befitting manner. HE Wunna Han , Ambassador of Myanmar hosted a grand reception with the colors of bilateral ties with Pakistan at Serena Hotel Islamabad on 15 Jan 2026. Federal Minister of Investment Qaisar Ahmad Sheikh was the Chief Guest at the occasion.
Myanmar was part of SubContinent Indo Pak until 1947. The British East India Company seized control of the administration of Myanmar after three Anglo-Burmese Wars in the 19th century, and the country became a British colony. After a brief Japanese occupation, Myanmar was reconquered by the Allies.
On 4 January 1948, Myanmar declared independence from Britain. But Myanmar did not join Commonwealth organization. The very first diplomatic reception of independence day in newly established Pakistan’s capital Karachi was of Myanmar and founder of Pakistan Mr. MA Jinnah graced the reception with his presence. It is the only reception in the history of Pakistan attended by Mr. Jinnah.
Pakistanis know very well about Rangoon and Burma but many are not aware of the change of the names to Myanmar and Yangon. That is why we are referring to old names as well here. Both countries won independence from the same British rule in the same region in the same phase of the post colonial era. After independence , both remained neighbors with a joint border in East Pakistan (Now Bangladesh).
Therefore , Pakistanis attach great importance to their relations with Myanmar and the celebration not only refreshed our bilateral bonds but the participation of Bangladesh High Commissioner Mr. Iqbal Khan was also noted with pleasure that the three countries can shape up a triangle of partners for the wellbeing of their people.
Ambassador H.E. Mr. Wunna Han, in his welcome note , shed light on the history and importance of the day. He said, ” This day resonates deeply in the hearts of our people. It is a day of remembrance, of pride, and of renewed commitment to the ideals of freedom, unity, and progress.”
” Myanmar’s journey is rooted in a civilization that spans centuries. From the golden spires of Bagan to the serene waters of Inle Lake, our land reflects a mosaic of traditions, languages, and faiths. Our cultural heritage is not only a source of national pride but also a bridge to the world—showcasing the resilience, creativity, and harmony of our people, the Ambassador shared.
The arts of Myanmar—classical dance, traditional crafts, and Buddhist architecture—stand as living testaments to a nation that treasures its past while embracing the future.
The host Ambassador spoke highly on enduring bonds of friendship with Pakistan as :
” On this day of celebration, we also reflect on the enduring friendship between Myanmar and Pakistan. Our ties are built on shared values of mutual respect, cultural exchange, and cooperation. It is a proud historical fact that Pakistan was the very first country to recognize Myanmar. Diplomatic relations between our two nations were established on 14 August 1947—the very day of Pakistan’s independence.”
Recalling the beginning of relations after independence, the Ambassador briefed the guests , “Our first Ambassador, U Pe Khin, was the very first envoy to present his credentials to Quaid -e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi, when he was Governor General of Pakistan. On 4 January 1948, Myanmar’s Independence Day reception was held at the Karachi Club. It was the very first Diplomatic National Day reception in Pakistan, with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah himself attending as Chief Guest. “
He said, ” Our Ambassador U Pe Khin went on to serve as the very first Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Karachi for nearly ten years.Our ties are not only diplomatic—they are cultural and historical.”
“The last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was exiled to Rangoon (now Yangon) by the British in 1858. He was a great Urdu poet, and his tomb is well preserved in the heart of Yangon, near the famous Shwedagon Pagoda. All the leaders from Pakistan who visited Myanmar have paid their tribute to him there, the Ambassador added.
HE Wunna Han expressed his satisfaction on how Pakistan has preserved and promoted the Gandhara Civilization. He said, These sacred Buddhist heritage sites—Taxila, Swat Valley, Peshawar, and more—are truly invaluable.
Regarding bilateral cooperation in different sectors, Ambassador noted , “Pakistan has stood as a partner in various spheres education, trade, and people-to-people connections. The warmth of our relations is evident in the way our communities interact, fostering goodwill and understanding. As two nations with rich histories and vibrant cultures, Myanmar and Pakistan continue to strengthen their bonds, contributing to peace and prosperity in Asia. ”
Ambassador Han shared his vision for further promotion of mutual cooperation. He mentioned, Myanmar envisions a future where:
• Cultural diplomacy deepens mutual appreciation between our two peoples.
• Economic collaboration expands opportunities in trade, investment, and technology.
• Educational partnerships empower our youth to become global citizens.
• Regional cooperation ensures stability, connectivity, and shared prosperity across South and Southeast Asia.
Finally, he was sure that Myanmar and Pakistan, working hand in hand, can contribute meaningfully to a more peaceful and interconnected world.
” May the friendship between Myanmar and Pakistan continue to flourish. May our nations walk together on the path of progress, peace, and prosperity, Ambassador concluded his address welcomed by the participants with huge applause and appreciation.
Minister Investment , Qaisar Ahmad Shaikh , in his speech , highlighted commonalities between the two countries and looked forward to strengthening mutual ties in various fields.
Minister said , we were neighbors in the past and we still have close relations with Myanmar. He mentioned a large Muslim population in the country and recalled his visit to Myanmar in Ramzan ul Mubarak. He cherished the memories of iftar in Yangon with the local Muslim community.
Qaisar Ahmad Shaikh , hailing from Chiniot , Punjab famous for its furniture industry, shared that the windows and doors of his home there are all made of the wood of a tree of Myanmar.
Minister invited the businessmen of Myanmar to Karachi to connect them with local business leaders. He mentioned, he has been President of Karachi Chamber of Commerce in the past. He has good connections in the business circles of Karachi.
Myanmar is a member of ASEAN and therefore the ambassadors from member states Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam were also present in the reception. A large number of ambassadors, defence attaches from other friendly countries , representatives of the gov of Pakistan, civil society, business community leaders and media persons also participated.
