Islamabad buzzes with a renewed spirit of camaraderie. The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), alongside the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), hosted a vibrant event on July 31 to honor Morocco’s ‘Enthronement Day.’ The air was thick with national anthems, resonating from Pakistan and Morocco, as Ms. Amina Khan, CAMEA’s Director, steered the day’s discourse. With luminaries like Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, and Ambassador Mohammed Karmoune, Morocco’s envoy, the gathering spotlighted a friendship decades in the making.
Roots of Resilience: A Shared Legacy
The event’s heartbeat echoed through Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed’s words, PAIDAR’s President and Chief Guest, who traced Pakistan-Morocco ties back to colonial struggles. He recalled how Sir Zafarullah Khan, Pakistan’s then Foreign Minister, handed a passport to Moroccan leader Ahmed Balafrej, enabling his UN plea for independence. This historic nod, paired with Morocco’s cultural gems—like the ancient University of Fez and Ibn Battuta’s epic journeys—painted a picture of mutual support. Senator Sayed lauded the Moroccan people’s warmth, urging deeper collaboration to cement these bonds, a sentiment that set the tone for a day of bold promises.
Morocco’s Modern Marvels
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood painted Morocco’s transformation under King Mohammed VI’s 26-year reign as a masterclass in progress. From people-centric governance to green innovations and youth empowerment, Morocco’s strides are undeniable—think industrial diversification and inter-faith dialogue thriving amid heritage. He highlighted the nations’ shared vision within the OIC, Group of 77, and Non-Aligned Movement, pushing for peace and equity. His call for ISSI to link with Moroccan think-tanks sparked visions of intellectual bridges, while Ambassador Khalid Mahmood’s closing remarks hailed Morocco’s strategic market access as a golden opportunity.
Economic Engines and Open Doors
Ambassador Mohammed Karmoune showcased Morocco’s economic muscle, with industrial exports and 17.5 million tourists fueling a 14% GDP boost in 2024. He rolled out the red carpet for Pakistani investors, spotlighting mega-projects and a vast trade network. Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan echoed this, crediting King Mohammed VI’s leadership for Morocco’s safe, infrastructure-rich landscape. His pitch? Amplify cooperation with a continental leader whose potential knows no bounds, a theme Ms. Amina Khan amplified by eyeing sectors like renewable energy and digital connectivity.
A Vision for Tomorrow
Ambassador Syed Adil Gilani hailed Morocco as a beacon of sustainable development, boasting top-tier healthcare and education. His praise for its global sway aligned with Ms. Amina Khan’s view of Morocco as Pakistan’s gateway to Africa under the ‘Engage Africa’ policy. The duo’s focus on climate resilience, agriculture, and higher education hinted at a partnership poised to reshape regional dynamics. With high-level talks on the horizon, as noted by Ambassador Karmoune, the stage is set for concrete action.
Economic Synergy
Morocco’s trade network could unlock $500 million in Pakistan exports by 2027, per early 2025 projections, boosting jobs in textiles and tech.
Cultural Fusion
Shared heritage and inter-faith efforts could inspire 1 million annual cultural exchanges, enhancing soft power, a trend gaining traction on X.
Strategic Alliance
As Africa’s gateway, Morocco elevates Pakistan’s ‘Engage Africa’ policy, targeting $1 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, per MOFA estimates.
As of August 1, 2025, the Enthronement Day celebration at ISSI marks a thrilling chapter in Pakistan-Morocco relations. From historical solidarity to modern economic ventures, the event showcased a friendship ready to leap forward. With leaders like Mushahid Hussain Sayed and Amina Khan steering the ship, and Morocco’s global rise as a catalyst, this alliance promises prosperity in education, energy, and beyond. The world watches as these two nations blend past pride with future potential—will this be the year their bond transforms the region?
