Pakistanis are hospitable and loving; I never felt alienation, said Mansoor Karim Bakhsh.
Islamabad (News Reporter) – The Ambassador of Mauritius to Pakistan, Mansoor Karim Bakhsh, has emphasized the need to strengthen trade and cultural ties with Pakistan, stating that Mauritius is an island nation surrounded by the sea, with a population of approximately 1.2 million. The country gained independence in 1968 and became a republic in 1992. Education in Mauritius is free, and since the 1980s, the country has begun to focus on tourism, making it a significant sector of its economy today. He mentioned that Mauritius has a strong economy and is a peaceful country. Besides tourism, IT and manufacturing are also important sectors, and there are vast opportunities for increasing trade and investment between Pakistan and Mauritius, from which both countries can benefit. There is a need to raise awareness among the peoples of both countries about each other, he expressed these views while speaking to the media during the National Press Club Islamabad’s program ‘Meet the Press.’ Upon his arrival at the NPC, National Press Club President Abdul Razak Sial and Secretary Dr. Farqan Rao welcomed the ambassador.
Mauritius Ambassador Mansoor Karim Bakhsh said he has been stationed in Pakistan since 2024 and feels very good about being here. The Pakistani people are extremely hospitable, loving, and friendly, so he never felt alienation here. He shared his educational and professional background, stating that he has studied social work and business administration, and has also been involved in education, social sectors, and union activities. Diplomacy is a relatively new field for him; however, he considers thorough research essential before entering any new work. The ambassador reiterated that Mauritius is an island nation surrounded by the sea, with a population of approximately 1.2 million. The country gained independence in 1968 and became a republic in 1992. Education in Mauritius is free, and since the 1980s, the country has begun to focus on tourism, making it a significant sector of its economy today. He stated that Mauritius has a strong economy and is a peaceful country. Besides tourism, IT and manufacturing are also important sectors. There are vast opportunities for increasing trade and investment between Pakistan and Mauritius, from which both countries can benefit.
Mansoor Karim Bakhsh revealed that he has met with officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce and discussed the possibilities of free trade between the two countries. He mentioned that there are various investment opportunities for Pakistani investors in Mauritius, while he is also keen on enhancing investment and business ties in Pakistan. He expressed his priority to promote business-to-business relations, student exchanges, tourism, and educational cooperation between Pakistan and Mauritius. In this regard, there are plans to hold a seminar on youth in September, and contacts are being made with relevant institutions, including the Higher Education Commission.
The ambassador noted that students from various countries, especially several African nations, come to Mauritius for education. There are also opportunities for higher education for Pakistani students in Mauritius, and he will try to reach out to Pakistani students with more information and statistics regarding this. He mentioned his long-standing connection with Pakistan, stating that he has always had an interest in reading Urdu, and his interest in Pakistan is very old. He said that Mauritius generally speaks of Pakistan with love and respect, and there are positive sentiments about Pakistani culture and people there.
Responding to journalists’ questions, Ambassador Mansoor Karim Bakhsh mentioned that he has also been involved in politics and participated in elections in 2019, but he was not successful. Subsequently, his journey in diplomacy began. He stated that before entering politics, he prioritized achieving financial and professional stability. He also discussed the possibilities of cooperation in drug prevention in Pakistan, stating that both countries could benefit from awareness, prevention, and the exchange of experiences in this area. Ambassador Mansoor Karim Bakhsh referenced Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s saying, ‘Cultural exchange is my dream,’ expressing his commitment to further strengthen cultural, educational, commercial, and public ties between Pakistan and Mauritius.
While addressing the program, National Press Club President Abdul Razak Sial stated that friendly relations exist between Pakistan and Mauritius, and Mauritius is a beautiful tourist country where the Pakistani media can play its role in highlighting its tourism potential. He mentioned that the purpose of inviting the Ambassador of Mauritius to the National Press Club is to inform journalists about the relations, tourism, trade, and investment opportunities between the two countries. It is hoped that after this program, Pakistani journalists and citizens will gain more information about Mauritius and will also visit its tourist spots.
On this occasion, National Press Club Secretary Dr. Farqan Rao emphasized the crucial role of media in further strengthening relations between Pakistan and Mauritius. He urged the ambassador to simplify the visa policy for Pakistani citizens so that the peoples, students, businesspersons, and tourists of both countries can come closer to each other. Dr. Farqan Rao stated that the National Press Club is ready to play its role in promoting tourism, culture, and public relations between Pakistan and Mauritius. There are numerous tourism opportunities across the country, including in Pakistan’s northern areas, and there is a need to introduce the beauty of Pakistan in Mauritius.
At the end of the program, the National Press Club presented a commemorative shield to the Ambassador of Mauritius, Mansoor Karim Bakhsh.