Pakistan and Sweden Explore Deeper Ties Through Trade, Education, and Cultural Exchange
Islamabad: Pakistan and Sweden have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, focusing on enhanced trade, expanded student exchange programs, and greater cultural cooperation. The discussions took place during a formal meeting of the Pakistan–Sweden Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) at Parliament House, Islamabad, chaired by Hon. Muhammad Khan Daha, MNA, and attended by H.E. Alexandra Berg von Linde, Ambassador of Sweden to Pakistan (@SwedeninPakistan), along with members of the Swedish Embassy and National Assembly.
The session brought together parliamentary representatives and the Swedish delegation to build on 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Lawmakers welcomed the ambassador and her team, stressing the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties—particularly through educational exchanges. Pakistani members called for increasing the number of scholarships, currently around ten per year, and urged greater reciprocal student mobility to foster deeper cultural understanding.
Ambassador Berg von Linde praised the enthusiasm for academic collaboration, noting that Pakistani students represent one of the largest groups of fee-paying international students in Sweden. She highlighted the role of alumni networks in advancing bilateral ties and acknowledged the cultural exchange benefits that students bring when they return home with new perspectives and skills.
Trade and economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. Lawmakers and the ambassador recognized the role of Swedish companies long established in Pakistan—such as Ericsson, Tetra Pak, Volvo, IKEA, and H&M—in contributing to economic development. Both sides identified opportunities in IT, telecommunications, textiles, packaging, transport, and industrial solutions, with suggestions to explore a preferential trade agreement and hold structured consultations with the Swedish-Pakistani Business Council to address systemic challenges.
Environmental sustainability and climate action were also key themes, with Sweden’s ambassador outlining initiatives like the Sustainable Textile Platform, designed to help Pakistan’s textile sector transition toward greener production in line with EU GSP Plus requirements. The cooperation model involves both development support and business-led solutions, showcasing Sweden’s expertise in innovation and sustainability.
Visa facilitation was raised as a practical priority. The Swedish side confirmed that Islamabad has resumed student, residence, and short-stay visa services after a period of closure. Pakistani parliamentarians proposed exploring a bilateral visa exemption arrangement for official passport holders, similar to agreements already in place with other Nordic countries, to encourage smoother exchanges.
Human rights cooperation was acknowledged, with lawmakers expressing gratitude for Sweden’s consistent stance on rights issues, including its advocacy for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Both sides agreed that open dialogue, mutual respect, and trust are essential to expanding the partnership.
The meeting concluded with the exchange of commemorative publications celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties, featuring stories of political exchanges, cultural connections, and even the rise of cricket in Sweden, driven by the Pakistani diaspora. The session underscored a shared commitment to transform goodwill into concrete initiatives that strengthen political, economic, educational, and cultural cooperation.
