Musadik Malik calls for joint research, green entrepreneurship and climate-friendly solutions; says 75 years of diplomatic relations offer opportunity to deepen economic cooperation
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik has called for stronger Pakistan-Germany cooperation in green startups, sustainable innovation and research, saying the two countries could take their longstanding relationship to new heights through climate-friendly initiatives.
Addressing a celebration of the Day of German Unity in Islamabad, the minister said Pakistan wanted to work with Germany’s innovation ecosystem to promote green entrepreneurship and develop sustainable solutions with the potential to expand globally.
“We want to do a startup revolution, all things green, all things sustainable,” he said, explaining that the government wanted researchers and young innovators to turn their ideas into viable businesses rather than relying solely on grants.
Musadik Malik said Pakistan’s challenging environmental conditions, including floods, underscored the need for innovative solutions that could address domestic challenges while also proving viable in international markets.
He expressed hope that cooperation with Germany’s innovation ecosystem would help establish a green startup environment and strengthen long-term bilateral ties through research, new ideas and sustainable development.
Highlighting economic cooperation, the minister described Germany as one of Pakistan’s closest partners and friends and its largest trading partner. He said the government was committed to meeting the standards required to maintain Pakistan’s GSP Plus status, stressing that the country wanted to demonstrate its commitment rather than seek concessions.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to strengthen economic and trade relations with Germany and build on the existing partnership.
Reflecting on the significance of German Unity, Musadik Malik said the reunification of the two parts of Germany demonstrated the power of people’s will, love and togetherness.
“It tells us that walls can be raised, but walls can also be shattered, and walls can also be broken,” he said, adding that unity founded on love and togetherness was more enduring.
The minister observed that people shared more common ground than the differences created by languages, cultures and religions, underscoring the importance of recognizing their shared humanity.
Recalling historical and cultural links between the two countries, he noted that Allama Muhammad Iqbal had travelled to Heidelberg, studied Goethe and learned German. He expressed gratitude to Germany for recognizing Iqbal by naming a road after him.
He also recalled the humanitarian contribution of Ruth, a German woman who stopped in Karachi while travelling to India because of visa difficulties and subsequently devoted the remainder of her life to serving people affected by leprosy in Pakistan. He said her decision to remain in the country reflected the humanitarian bonds between Pakistan and Germany.
Conveying greetings on behalf of the prime minister, Musadik Malik congratulated Germany on the celebration and praised the peaceful reunification of its two parts.
He also noted that October 15 marked the 75th year of Pakistan-Germany relations, describing the milestone as an opportunity to celebrate their shared commitment to friendship, humanity and sustainability.
The minister concluded by expressing hope that continued cooperation would further strengthen bilateral relations and advance sustainable development in both countries.
