What was said in Islamabad
Pakistan Nigeria relations took centre stage in the capital on Thursday when diplomats and policy figures used a Nigeria National Day programme to argue for a more practical strategic partnership. They pointed to defence and security work, commerce, farming, medicines, power and digital technology as fields where both sides could do more together.
The gathering was hosted jointly by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) inside the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), according to a press release issued after the event.
Diplomats push for tangible partnerships
Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires in Pakistan, Mohammed Yasau, said friendship that has lasted for decades should now support a livelier, future-oriented strategic link. He argued that trust and overlapping aims need to become real projects in the sectors listed above, and that the two capitals should coordinate more closely in multilateral settings.
Yasau also framed Pakistan and Nigeria as partners that share a duty to advance peace, fairer development and a world order in which more countries have a meaningful voice.
Muhammad Imran, head of chancery at Pakistan’s mission in Nigeria, said business, investment and education still offer large room for growth, and that commercial links between the two markets should be deepened.
Trade treaty and Africa’s wider role
ISSI Director General Ambassador Moin ul Haque opened by noting Nigeria’s economic weight, cultural depth and standing in its region. He recalled that formal ties go back to 1961 and urged higher two-way commerce plus faster movement on a bilateral trade treaty—language that sits at the heart of how speakers described Pakistan Nigeria relations on the day.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed looked back at that shared history, including the imprint of Nigeria’s first prime minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He said Africa’s place in world affairs is growing and that Pakistan can expand work with the continent through commerce, capital flows, classrooms and research—if goodwill is turned into concrete ventures.
CAMEA Director Dr Amina Khan welcomed guests by stressing the centre’s effort to widen Pakistan’s intellectual outreach to Africa and to build closer African partnerships through dialogue and shared learning.
Closing the programme, ISSI Board of Governors Chairman Ambassador Khalid Mahmood called Nigeria the “Giant of Africa,” praising its drive, skill and ambition. He thanked CAMEA and the Nigerian mission for the event and restated Pakistan’s pledge to keep strengthening the bilateral bond.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Islamabad mein Nigeria ke National Day par dono mulkon ne mil kar kaam badhane ki baat ki. Defence, tijarat, energy aur IT jaise field mein asali projects chahiye, kehte hain speakers. 1961 se dosti hai, ab trade treaty aur business links tez karne ka zor hai. Aam logon ke liye seedha faida tab dikhega jab trade aur investment ke ye waaday asl mein shuru hon.
