Islamabad, August 24, 2026: Mauritius High Commissioner to Pakistan Mansoo Karim Bhaks has called for stronger trade, investment, educational, tourism and cultural ties between Pakistan and Mauritius, saying the two countries have significant potential for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Speaking to journalists at the National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad during the “Meet the Press” programme, Bhaks said greater economic and people-to-people engagement could help both countries expand bilateral relations.
The high commissioner said Mauritius was a peaceful island nation with a population of around 1.2 million. The country gained independence in 1968 and became a republic in 1992.
He said education was free in Mauritius, while tourism had emerged as a key pillar of the economy after the government began giving special attention to the sector in the 1980s. Information technology and manufacturing are also important components of the Mauritian economy.
“Pakistan and Mauritius have enormous potential to expand trade and investment, and both countries can benefit from greater economic engagement,” Bhaks said, stressing the need to create greater awareness among people in both countries about each other.
Bhaks, who has been serving in Pakistan since 2024, said he had developed a very positive impression of the country and its people.
“The Pakistani people are extremely hospitable, loving and friendly. I have never felt like a stranger here,” he said.
The high commissioner said he had held meetings with officials of Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce to discuss ways of expanding bilateral trade, including the possibility of establishing free trade arrangements.
He said Mauritius offered investment opportunities for Pakistani investors in various sectors, while Mauritius was also interested in increasing investment and developing stronger business linkages with Pakistan.
He identified business-to-business contacts, student exchanges, tourism and educational cooperation as key areas for strengthening bilateral relations.
A youth-focused seminar is also planned for September, he said, adding that contacts were being maintained with the Higher Education Commission and other relevant institutions.
Bhaks said students from various countries, particularly African nations, travelled to Mauritius for education and Pakistani students could also benefit from opportunities for higher education in the country.
He said he would seek further information and data about educational opportunities in Mauritius and share them with Pakistani students.
Recalling his longstanding interest in Pakistan, Bhaks said he had always been interested in learning Urdu and that his connection with the country went back many years.
He said Pakistan was generally mentioned in Mauritius with love and respect and that positive sentiments existed there towards Pakistani culture and people.
Responding to questions from journalists, the high commissioner said he had also been associated with politics and contested elections in 2019, although he was unsuccessful. He later embarked on a diplomatic career, explaining that before entering politics he had focused on achieving financial and professional stability.
Bhaks also highlighted the potential for cooperation between Pakistan and Mauritius in combating drug abuse and trafficking. He said both countries could benefit from sharing experiences and cooperating on awareness and prevention initiatives.
Emphasising the importance of cultural exchange, the high commissioner reiterated his commitment to strengthening cultural, educational, commercial and people-to-people links between Pakistan and Mauritius.
Earlier, NPC President Abdul Razzaq Siyal welcomed the Mauritian high commissioner and said Pakistan and Mauritius enjoyed friendly relations.
Describing Mauritius as a beautiful tourist destination, Siyal said Pakistani media could play an important role in promoting the country’s tourism potential.
He said the purpose of inviting the high commissioner to the National Press Club was to brief journalists about bilateral relations as well as tourism, trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. He expressed hope that the programme would encourage Pakistani journalists and citizens to learn more about Mauritius and visit its tourist destinations.
NPC Secretary Dr. Furqan Rao said the media had an important role to play in further strengthening Pakistan-Mauritius relations.
He urged the Mauritian authorities to simplify visa procedures for Pakistani citizens to facilitate greater interaction among people, students, businesspersons and tourists from the two countries.
Dr. Rao said the National Press Club was ready to contribute to the promotion of tourism, culture and people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and Mauritius.
He noted that Pakistan, particularly its northern areas, offered numerous tourism opportunities and said the country’s natural beauty should also be introduced to the people of Mauritius.
At the conclusion of the programme, the National Press Club presented a commemorative shield to High Commissioner Mansoo Karim Bhaks.
