Pakistan-Rwanda Parliamentary Group Pledges Stronger Ties, Eyes Key Sectors for Cooperation
Islamabad – The Pakistan-Rwanda Parliamentary Friendship Group convened at the Parliament House in a high-level meeting aimed at deepening bilateral relations, with a focus on trade, education, technology, and defence collaboration.
Chaired by Senator Kamran Murtaza, the session was attended by Senator Jan Muhammad, Ms. Misbah Khar (Advisor to the Chairman Senate), and senior Senate Secretariat officials. The delegation warmly welcomed Her Excellency Ms. Harerimana Fatou, High Commissioner of Rwanda to Pakistan, in a discussion that underscored mutual interests and future partnerships.
Strengthening Diplomatic & Economic Ties
Senator Kamran Murtaza emphasized the importance of robust parliamentary, economic, and diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Rwanda. Both sides identified education, healthcare, agriculture, trade, and technology as priority sectors for collaboration. The senator stressed that regular parliamentary exchanges would enhance long-term cooperation and people-to-people linkages.
Senator Kamran Murtaza, Convener Pakistan – Rwanda Parliamentary friendship group in the Senate in a meeting with High Commissioner of Rwanda, H.E Harerimana Fatou at Parliament House Islamabad on June 20, 2025
Ms. Misbah Khar highlighted the need for structured institutional collaboration within bilateral frameworks, pointing to trade, tourism, and cultural exchange as vital areas for sustained partnership.
Addressing Visa Hurdles & Trade Imbalance
H.E. Ms. Harerimana Fatou reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to stronger ties with Pakistan but raised concerns over visa delays for Rwandan nationals, despite Rwanda’s visa-free entry for thirty days policy for Pakistani citizens. The High Commissioner pressed for faster visa processing from Pakistan to boost bilateral travel and trade.
The High Commissioner also called for increased Pakistani exports to Rwanda to balance trade relations. She noted that while Rwanda imports pharmaceuticals and other goods from Pakistan, there is significant potential for expansion.
Future Collaboration: AI, Defence & Education
Senator Murtaza outlined potential areas for joint ventures, including artificial intelligence, medical equipment, sports, tourism, and defence training. He revealed that several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are under consideration and hoped for their early signing. Additionally, he proposed a special quota for Rwandan students at the University of Balochistan in Quetta, should there be interest.
H.E. Ms. Fatou shared that a Rwandan defence delegation is currently undergoing training in Pakistan, with another group expected later this year. She also extended a formal invitation to Pakistani senators and National Assembly members for an upcoming event in Rwanda, aimed at boosting parliamentary diplomacy.
Seeking Expertise in Textiles & IT
Recognizing Pakistan’s advancements in key industries, the High Commissioner sought collaboration in textiles, information technology (IT), and artificial intelligence (AI). Both sides also stressed the urgency of finalizing a bilateral agreement and a double taxation avoidance treaty to bolster economic relations.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to accelerate cooperation across multiple sectors, leveraging parliamentary diplomacy to foster deeper ties. With high-level engagements and proposed agreements in the pipeline, Pakistan and Rwanda are poised to enter a new phase of strategic partnership.
BY: The Times Union
