Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan inaugurated the Honorary Consulate of Austria in Karachi, an event that also celebrated 70 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Austria.
The establishment of the consulate marks the first formal consular presence of Austria in southern Pakistan and is expected to boost diplomatic and trade cooperation, particularly in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan.
Hosted by Dr. Hussain Islam, the newly appointed Honorary Consul for Austria in Sindh and Balochistan, the event welcomed key figures from the diplomatic and business community, including Austrian Ambassador Andrea Wicke. In his address as the chief guest, Jam Kamal Khan underscored the strategic importance of the new consulate, stating that it would serve as a vital channel for enhancing economic, commercial, and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
“The consulate will play an important role in extending Pakistan’s economic and future trade with Austria,” the minister said, adding that its jurisdiction over Sindh and Balochistan—regions central to Pakistan’s industrial and economic landscape—makes this development particularly promising for bilateral relations.
While addressing members of the business community in attendance, the commerce minister also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to rationalize tariffs under a new policy direction initiated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to Jam Kamal, the reform is intended to spur domestic commerce while also improving trade dynamics with international partners, including Austria.
The minister extended special thanks to Ambassador Wicke and Dr. Hussain Islam for their contributions to strengthening the relationship between the two countries. “With consistent efforts in diplomacy and economic cooperation, I am confident we will see greater engagement across sectors like trade, education, tourism, climate technology, and more,” he said.
The occasion brought together a diverse array of notable figures including religious leaders such as the Bishop of Karachi and the Patron of the Pakistan Sikh Council, alongside diplomats and members of the business elite, marking a symbolic step toward deepening Austrian-Pakistani relations in the decades ahead.
