KARACHI: As Mozambique marked its 50th Independence Day, Karachi became a spotlight of diplomatic celebration, reaffirming the friendship between Pakistan and Africa’s southern gateway. The grand reception reflected not just a shared history but a renewed commitment to trade, unity, and global harmony.
On the evening of June 26, 2025, Karachi’s diplomatic and business corridors converged at the residence of Sheikh Khalid Tawab, Honorary Consul General of Mozambique in Pakistan since 1988, to celebrate a milestone – the 50th anniversary of Mozambique’s independence. This golden jubilee was more than a ceremonial gathering; it was a vivid symbol of Africa’s resilience and Pakistan’s growing outreach across the Indian Ocean.
The event, held under the auspices of the Honorary Consulate of Mozambique in Karachi, became a focal point of cross-continental friendship. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah graced the occasion as chief guest, joined by key provincial leaders including Saeed Ghani and Nasir Hussain Shah, Secretary Interior Iqbal Memon, and Karachi’s Additional IGP Javed Alam Odho. Representing the Governor of Sindh his son Zaid Kamran Tessori added his presence as a gesture of high-level provincial solidarity. Among others in attendance were former Senate Chairman Mian Muhammad Soomro, and former Interior Minister Lt. Gen. (Retd) Moinuddin Haider.
Dignitaries from across the diplomatic spectrum – Consul Generals of Oman, Iran, Turkey, Japan, Indonesia, Qatar, and Sri Lanka – were present, underscoring the multilateral significance of the event. Notable business titans including Arif Habib, Jehangir Siddique, Bashir Jan Muhammad, Dewan Yousuf, Zubair Tufail, Naseem Allahwala, Zahid Mazhar, and Ikram Rajput joined the celebrations. Shehriyar Taj, Secretary TDAP, along with heads of commercial banks, media representatives, and development officials, reinforced the event’s high-level stature.
The evening opened with the national anthems of Pakistan and Mozambique, followed by a solemn Qur’anic recitation. A heartfelt message from Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, read by Ibrahim Tawab, expressed Mozambique’s aspirations for “peace, harmony, and cooperation” with nations like Pakistan. President Chapo extended warm congratulations to Mozambicans around the globe and expressed hope for expanding bilateral friendships with Pakistan.
In his remarks, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah congratulated the Mozambican nation on achieving five decades of sovereignty and stability, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to deepening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. He commended the Honorary Consulate’s continuous efforts in promoting not just Mozambique’s image, but also meaningful commercial partnerships.
Mozambique, under President Chapo’s recent leadership, is emerging as a key player in southern Africa – thanks to its natural gas reserves, mineral wealth, and expanding ports. Strategically located along the Indian Ocean, the country offers a geographic and commercial gateway to East and Southern Africa. With a population of over 33 million and recent political stability, Mozambique is increasingly seen as a frontier market ripe for partnerships.
Pakistan-Mozambique relations, though underexplored, hold immense untapped potential. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) have led multiple trade delegations in recent years, focusing on textiles, pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment, and agricultural machinery. In return, Pakistan has shown interest in Mozambique’s seafood, timber, and gas resources.
Sheikh Khalid Tawab, in his welcome speech, highlighted the incentives available for Pakistani investors in Mozambique – tax holidays, low power tariffs, affordable land, and a pro-investment policy regime. “Africa is the future,” he noted, “and Mozambique is its glowing frontier.” His emphasis on two-way trade, technology transfer, and student exchange resonated with both diplomatic and business communities present.
Beyond the speeches and ceremonial grandeur, the reception showcased Sindh’s emerging role as Pakistan’s gateway to African diplomacy. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah’s active diplomacy underlines the Sindh government’s willingness to play a frontline role in sub-national international engagement – especially with emerging markets.
The cake-cutting ceremony, accompanied by traditional music and networking among business communities, was more than symbolic. It was a demonstration of confidence – a collective belief that Pakistan’s southern provinces can lead in economic diplomacy and people-to-people connections. The Chief Minister’s praise for Mozambique’s resilience and economic progress further cemented this optimism.
Mozambique’s global profile at 50: As Mozambique celebrates its golden jubilee, the nation finds itself on a pivotal path. Under President Chapo’s leadership, the country has shown promise in governance reforms, social development, and regional peace-building. Mozambique’s participation in African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) makes it a strategic destination for Pakistani exports seeking African markets.
Internationally, Mozambique enjoys strong partnerships with China, Portugal, Brazil, and South Africa. It is also gaining recognition for its blue economy initiatives, regional counterterrorism efforts, and agricultural transformation. These achievements place it firmly in Africa’s emerging economic narrative.
The Karachi celebration was a vivid example of Pakistan’s Africa policy in action – one rooted in trade, diaspora diplomacy, and soft power. Events like these, under the stewardship of figures like Sheikh Khalid Tawab and supported by Sindh’s leadership, are pivotal in translating foreign policy into practical partnerships.
Tawab, a decorated businessman and recipient of the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, continues to bridge the business and diplomatic communities through a pragmatic, people-centred approach. With decades of leadership in the FPCCI, KCCI, and various advisory councils, his role remains indispensable in guiding future Pakistan-Mozambique ties.
As the golden jubilee of Mozambique’s independence was celebrated with elegance and sincerity in Karachi, the event served as a timely reminder of Pakistan’s diplomatic maturity and Sindh’s proactive engagement with the Global South. With Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah leading from the front, and with seasoned figures like Sheikh Khalid Tawab charting the way, the path ahead for Pakistan-Mozambique ties looks not only promising but enduring.
Internationally, Mozambique enjoys strong partnerships with China, Portugal, Brazil, and South Africa. It is also gaining recognition for its blue economy initiatives, regional counterterrorism efforts, and agricultural transformation. These achievements place it firmly in Africa’s emerging economic narrative.
The Karachi celebration was a vivid example of Pakistan’s Africa policy in action – one rooted in trade, diaspora diplomacy, and soft power. Events like these, under the stewardship of figures like Sheikh Khalid Tawab and supported by Sindh’s leadership, are pivotal in translating foreign policy into practical partnerships.
Tawab, a decorated businessman and recipient of the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, continues to bridge the business and diplomatic communities through a pragmatic, people-centred approach. With decades of leadership in the FPCCI, KCCI, and various advisory councils, his role remains indispensable in guiding future Pakistan-Mozambique ties.
As the golden jubilee of Mozambique’s independence was celebrated with elegance and sincerity in Karachi, the event served as a timely reminder of Pakistan’s diplomatic maturity and Sindh’s proactive engagement with the Global South. With Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah leading from the front, and with seasoned figures like Sheikh Khalid Tawab charting the way, the path ahead for Pakistan-Mozambique ties looks not only promising but enduring.