ISLAMABAD, Oct 16: Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik has called for stronger cooperation between Pakistan and Germany in green entrepreneurship, sustainable innovation and research, saying joint efforts for climate-friendly solutions could give new strength to bilateral relations.
Speaking at a ceremony held to mark the Day of German Unity, the minister said Pakistan wanted to benefit from Germany’s innovation ecosystem to promote green startups and develop sustainable solutions that could also be applied at the global level.
“We want to do a startup revolution, all things green, all things sustainable,” he said, stressing the need to encourage researchers and young innovators to convert their ideas into viable businesses instead of relying only on grants.
Mr Malik said Pakistan’s exposure to environmental challenges, particularly floods, had made it necessary to develop innovative solutions that could address local problems and also create opportunities for international expansion.
He expressed the hope that cooperation with German research and innovation institutions would help build a strong green startup ecosystem in Pakistan, create opportunities for young entrepreneurs and support sustainable development.
Describing Germany as one of Pakistan’s closest partners and its largest trading partner, the minister underlined the need to further strengthen economic and trade relations between the two countries.
He said Pakistan was committed to meeting the requirements for retaining its GSP Plus status, adding that the country wanted to demonstrate compliance with the relevant standards rather than seek concessions.
Referring to the historical significance of German reunification, Mr Malik said the coming together of the two parts of Germany reflected the lasting power of popular 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 enduring than divisions rooted in language, culture or religion.
The minister also highlighted historical and cultural links between Pakistan and Germany, recalling Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s association with Heidelberg and his engagement with 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.
Mr Malik also paid tribute to German-born Ruth Pfau, who remained in Pakistan and devoted her life to fighting leprosy and serving affected communities. He described her contribution as a reflection of 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 reaffirm the shared commitment of the two countries to friendship, humanitarian cooperation and sustainability.
Mr Malik expressed the hope that closer collaboration in innovation, research and green entrepreneurship would add fresh momentum to bilateral ties and contribute to sustainable development in both countries.
