Pakistan, ASEAN Member States Mark 58th ASEAN Day with Cultural Performances in Islamabad
ASEAN–Pakistan Cooperation Fund Delivers 30% of 2024–2028 Initiatives in First Year
Islamabad: August 10 2025 (Adnan Hameed) : Pakistan joined the 58th ASEAN Day celebrations in Islamabad with a vibrant showcase of its cultural heritage, organized in collaboration with the Niftysphere Institute of Arts and Design. Niftysphere students captivated the audience with music, dance, and traditional art, reflecting Pakistan’s rich cultural traditions. The artists from ASEAN states also enthralled audiences with their captivated cultural performance.
The event highlighted the shared ASEAN–Pakistan values of cultural understanding, political cooperation, and economic partnership.
The ceremony was attended by ASEAN Heads of Mission, led by Wunna Han, Ambassador of Myanmar and Chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad. Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi was the chief guest.
In his address, Minister Khichi congratulated ASEAN Member States on their 58th anniversary, calling ASEAN “a remarkable example of regional transformation” and an inspiration for the developing world, days press note. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening ties as a constructive partner, noting its long-standing engagement as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner since 1993 under the “Vision East Asia” policy.
Praising ASEAN’s achievements, the minister lauded the successful implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and expressed Pakistan’s full support for Vision 2045. He stressed the importance of revitalizing the ASEAN Regional Forum to address emerging challenges, including cyber security, food security, climate change, and ethical AI governance.
He noted the ASEAN–Pakistan Cooperation Fund, established in 1999, as a vital platform for practical collaboration, with the 2024–2028 Cooperation Plan already implementing nearly 30% of its 31 initiatives. Referring to the record $10 billion bilateral trade with ASEAN in 2022, the minister called for measures to address the trade imbalance and enhance investment opportunities.
Highlighting Pakistan’s strengths in digital innovation, agriculture, climate resilience, public health, poverty reduction, and gender equality, he offered partnerships in these areas. He also praised the Pakistani diaspora in ASEAN countries for strengthening people-to-people ties and expressed optimism for Pakistan’s upgrade to Full Dialogue Partner status.
Ambassador of Myanmar and Chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, Wunna Han, in his remarks, noted that ASEAN was founded on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, making this year its 58th anniversary. “Each commemoration is a moment to reflect on our collective achievements and to honour the vision of ASEAN’s founding fathers and successive leadership,” he said.
He highlighted Pakistan’s position as ASEAN’s first, foremost, and longest-standing Sectoral Dialogue Partner, stressing the value of this enduring partnership. “We look forward to working closely with Pakistan to unlock the full potential of our cooperation for mutual benefit. We also encourage Pakistan’s continued support for the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its strategic plans,” he added.
On the cultural front, Usman Shah, CEO of Niftysphere, reaffirmed the institute’s mission to promote Pakistan’s diverse cultural identity globally through creative platforms and youth talent.
