Islamabad, November 2,2026: German Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Ina Lepel has emphasized the vast potential for expanding economic cooperation, trade and investment between Pakistan and Germany, calling for concerted efforts to translate existing opportunities into tangible economic gains.
She was speaking during an interactive session with journalists at the National Press Club (NPC), Islamabad, held under the club’s international outreach initiative, “Meet the Press.”
The German ambassador also appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives to promote regional peace and stability, particularly amid recent tensions between the United States and Iran. She described Islamabad’s efforts to encourage dialogue and prevent further escalation as commendable.
Highlighting the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and Germany, Dr. Lepel stressed that bilateral trade needed to increase significantly to reflect the true potential of the economic partnership.
Recalling her previous diplomatic assignment in Pakistan in 2017, she said she had now returned as ambassador but noted that bilateral trade had not witnessed substantial growth over the years.
She called for stronger business-to-business contacts, investment and commercial cooperation, saying enhanced economic engagement would benefit both countries.
Commenting on regional developments, the German envoy praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and facilitate peaceful solutions to conflicts. She observed that diplomacy and dialogue remained the most effective means of resolving disputes and preventing regional instability.
On the Ukraine conflict, Dr. Lepel criticised Russia’s military actions and expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people. She said Germany and the European community continued to stand with Ukraine, calling for an end to civilian casualties and respect for sovereignty, peace and international law.
She added that European countries were continuing to extend political, economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
Discussing educational opportunities, the ambassador said Germany remained a preferred destination for Pakistani students because of its quality universities, research facilities and favourable academic environment.
She informed journalists that Germany had increased the number of visas issued to Pakistani students, although the growing volume of applications had sometimes resulted in processing delays.
She said German authorities were working to simplify visa procedures and improve processing efficiency to facilitate Pakistani students seeking higher education in Germany.
Earlier, Dr. Lepel toured various sections of the National Press Club and planted a sapling on its premises as a gesture symbolising friendship and environmental sustainability.
NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial, Secretary Dr. Furqan Rao, members of the Governing Body and senior journalists welcomed the ambassador.
Speaking on the occasion, NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial expressed hope that such diplomatic engagements would continue to strengthen mutual understanding and promote closer relations between Pakistan and Germany.
NPC Secretary Dr. Furqan Rao briefed the visiting ambassador on the history, institutional role, journalistic activities and welfare initiatives of the National Press Club.
He described Germany as an important development partner of Pakistan and appreciated its longstanding cooperation in trade, education, development projects and strengthening democratic institutions. He also acknowledged Germany’s contribution to providing higher education opportunities and scholarships to Pakistani students.
During the interactive session, journalists raised questions on bilateral relations, educational opportunities, regional security and international developments, which the ambassador answered in detail.
Dr. Lepel underscored the importance of media cooperation, people-to-people contacts and educational exchanges in further strengthening the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and Germany.
At the conclusion, NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial thanked the German ambassador for visiting the press club and interacting with members of the journalist community.
He expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to grow and reaffirmed the National Press Club’s commitment to promoting meaningful interaction among diplomats, policymakers and journalists.
