As Singapore commemorates its 60th National Day, Pakistan extends heartfelt congratulations and reflects on a rich legacy of bilateral cooperation.
SINGAPORE – As part of IN Diplomacy’s Singapore National Day Edition Feature, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan proudly joins Singapore in celebrating its 60th National Day, recognising a resilient friendship that has flourished across nearly six decades. Since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties on 17 August 1966, the relationship between the two countries has evolved into a multifaceted partnership shaped by collaboration, shared values, and mutual respect.
In the early years, Pakistani professionals made notable contributions to the foundational sectors of Singapore’s development. Among them were Captain Anwar Masood Khan, who moved to Singapore in 1973 and helped train the first generation of Singapore Airlines pilots, and Captain Muhammad Jalaluddin Sayeed, whose maritime expertise laid the groundwork for Neptune Orient Lines—Singapore’s flagship shipping company—at the request of then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. His legacy is remembered fondly by former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, who referred to him as the “perfect gentleman”.
High-level diplomatic engagements have remained consistent. In December 2022, then Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met with President Halimah Yacob and Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan in Singapore. More recently, on 25 October 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr Ishaq Dar held discussions with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa, and Dr Balakrishnan to discuss strengthening Pakistan–Singapore ties across economic, political, and cultural spheres.
Technology and innovation form a vibrant pillar of cooperation. Since 2019, Pakistan has actively participated in the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF), growing from just eight companies to sixty by 2023. At SFF 2024, Pakistani fintech startup Hakeem App received an Excellence Award from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). A 2021 MoU between fintech associations from both countries has furthered collaboration in digital finance.
Economic relations continue to show promise. In 2024, bilateral trade reached approximately USD 1.3 billion, with Pakistan’s key exports—textiles, rice, fruits, and surgical instruments—holding significant potential for expansion. Singaporean investments in Pakistan stood at USD 47 million, while remittances from the Pakistani diaspora in Singapore totalled USD 111.6 million. Engagement between business communities has grown through delegations from the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce (SMCCI) and Pakistan’s active participation in platforms like the ASEAN Pakistan Business Opportunities Conference and the International Agri-Food Week 2024 in Singapore.
Institutional cooperation has also flourished. Agreements in technical education, public policy, and healthcare have connected Pakistan with Singapore’s key institutions, including ITE, Civil Service College, NUH, and ISAS. Over 1,600 Pakistani civil servants have benefited from training under Singapore’s Cooperation Programme. In February 2025, 15 Pakistani students earned two gold, three silver, and ten bronze medals at the STEMCo Global Finals in Singapore, exemplifying the growing educational ties.
Defence cooperation remains steady, with Pakistan participating regularly in the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue and associated forums such as the IISS Sherpa Meetings and the Future Conflict and Strategic Planning Workshop. Pakistan recognises Singapore’s pivotal role in regional stability and continues to engage as a constructive voice in Asia-Pacific security dialogues.
On this momentous occasion, Pakistan extends its warmest greetings to the Government and people of Singapore, celebrating shared achievements and looking forward to deeper ties in the years ahead.
Happy 60th National Day, Singapore. Majulah Singapura!
