Pakistan seeks green innovation partnership with Germany

October 16, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan wants closer cooperation with Germany in green entrepreneurship, sustainable innovation and research, with joint efforts aimed at developing climate-friendly solutions that can be scaled globally.

Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik made these remarks while speaking at a ceremony marking the Day of German Unity, where he also conveyed the prime minister’s greetings to Germany and praised the peaceful reunification of the country, said a press release issued.

Musadik Malik said Pakistan hoped to draw on Germany’s innovation ecosystem to build a startup culture centred on green and sustainable ideas.

He stressed that researchers and young innovators should be encouraged to turn their work into viable businesses instead of relying only on grants.

He said Pakistan’s exposure to environmental risks, especially floods, made home-grown solutions necessary, and these could also open doors to international markets.

He expressed confidence that links with German research and innovation institutions would help create a strong green startup ecosystem and new opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

Describing Germany as one of Pakistan’s closest partners and its largest trading partner, the minister underscored the need to strengthen economic and trade ties.

He said Pakistan was committed to meeting the requirements for retaining its GSP Plus status, and wanted to show compliance with the standards instead of seeking concessions.

Reflecting on German reunification, Musadik Malik said it showed the lasting strength of popular will and solidarity. He argued that unity built on mutual respect and shared humanity outlasts divisions of language, culture or religion.

The minister also pointed to historical and cultural links between the two countries.

He recalled Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s time in Heidelberg and his engagement with the works of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and welcomed Germany’s decision to name a road after the poet-philosopher.

He also cited the work of German-born Ruth Pfau, who spent her life in Pakistan fighting leprosy and serving affected communities, as proof of the long-standing humanitarian bonds between the two nations.

Noting that October 15 marked 75 years of Pakistan-Germany relations, he said the milestone was a chance to reaffirm shared commitment to friendship, humanitarian cooperation and sustainability.

He hoped closer collaboration in innovation, research and green entrepreneurship would give fresh momentum to bilateral ties and support sustainable development in both countries.

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