Pakistan, Germany Eye Renewed Parliamentary Engagement, Friendship Group in Bundestag

Islamabad
Mr. Christoph Schmid, Member of the German Bundestag, called on the Honourable Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan at Parliament House, Islamabad, and discussed Pakistan–Germany relations, parliamentary exchanges and matters of regional importance. Syed Shamoon Hashmi, Special Secretary, Special Initiatives, also attended the meeting.

Welcoming Mr. Schmid, the Honourable Deputy Speaker underscored the longstanding and multifaceted relations between Pakistan and Germany and noted the considerable German interest in Pakistan over the years. He recalled that parliamentary delegations and exchanges between the two countries had remained active prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized the importance of reviving and further expanding such engagement.
The Honourable Deputy Speaker recalled the 2014 visit of the then Speaker of the German Bundestag, Prof. Dr. Norbert Lammert, to Pakistan. He described it as an important milestone in parliamentary relations between the two countries. He noted that, during the visit, he had the privilege of hosting the Speaker at his residence in Karachi, where the interaction brought together representatives of the business community, civil society and political leadership, providing an opportunity to engage with different segments of Pakistani society. The Honourable Deputy Speaker expressed appreciation for Germany’s humanitarian assistance to Pakistan during the 2010 floods. He also acknowledged Germany’s support and engagement during earlier periods of regional instability linked to conflicts in Afghanistan, noting that its continued understanding and support amid present regional challenges was deeply valued.

Mr. Christoph Schmid appreciated the warm welcome extended to him and underscored the importance of further strengthening parliamentary relations between Pakistan and Germany. He highlighted the significance of establishing a Pakistan–Germany Parliamentary Friendship Group in the German Bundestag as an effective platform for sustained parliamentary engagement. The Honourable Deputy Speaker shared this view and welcomed the initiative, expressing the National Assembly’s readiness to pursue the matter through the appropriate channels and to further strengthen institutional links between the two Parliaments.
Mr. Schmid appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting dialogue and mediation amid the current regional tensions involving Iran. He observed that Pakistan’s efforts to engage partners with differing perspectives and facilitate dialogue had attracted considerable attention in Germany and internationally. He noted that the coverage of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts had generated increased interest among German parliamentarians.
The Honourable Deputy Speaker also shared fond personal memories associated with Germany, noting that his first-ever flight was to Frankfurt on Lufthansa and recalling a journey by road from Stuttgart to Pakistan with his father. He expressed his pleasure at the prospect of welcoming Mr. Schmid on a future visit to Pakistan and offered to host him in Karachi.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming the importance of sustained parliamentary engagement and closer people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and Germany. The proposed establishment of a Pakistan–Germany Parliamentary Friendship Group in the German Bundestag was welcomed as an important step towards providing renewed impetus to parliamentary dialogue.