Philippines 127th National Day 2025

Philippines Marks 127th National Day in Karachi: Optimism for Bilateral Ties

By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi: The vibrant celebration of the Philippines’ 127th National Day took place in Karachi, where Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Philippines to Pakistan, emphasized the growing ties between the two nations.

\The event, hosted by Dr. Imran Yousuf, Honorary Consul General of the Philippines in Karachi, welcomed a diverse audience, including diplomats, government officials, and members of the Filipino community. In his address, Ambassador Fernandez expressed excitement about his experience in Karachi, a city he described as “the city of light, which never sleeps.” 

Highlighting the impressive trade relations between the Philippines and Pakistan, Fernandez noted that the Philippines stands out as the only ASEAN country with a favorable trade balance towards Pakistan, with bilateral trade exceeding $300 million. He expressed optimism for future enhancements in collaboration, particularly in sectors such as information technology.

Dr. Imran Yousuf, sharing the stage with Ambassador Fernandez and First Lady Alicia Kalaw-Fernandez, praised the Filipino community, calling them “the true ambassadors of their country” for their energy and dedication. He underscored the potential for growth in IT collaboration, revealing that the Philippines' IT industry is currently valued at $38 billion and projected to reach $59 billion in three years.

In addition to trade and economic relations, Dr. Imran addressed the social initiatives led by the consulate, focusing on the importance of mental health, particularly for children. He announced the launch of Pakistan’s first IT-based employable skills program for persons with disabilities through the Digitech Transformation (DTT) initiative, acknowledging the efforts of Syed Hussain Sajjad, a board member of Transformation International.

The event not only celebrated a significant milestone for the Philippines but also reinforced the enduring friendship and mutual respect shared between the peoples of Pakistan and the Philippines, paving the way for a promising future of cooperation and cultural exchange.