Tripoli, 11 August 2022 (TDI): Pakistan’s Ambassador to Libya, Major General Rashad Javeed (Retired), met the Vice President of Libya Abdullah Al Lafi.

The Vice President gave a formal discussion on the points presented about the mutual interests of the two brotherly states. The well-being of the Pakistani Diaspora was also the point of discussion.

Both officials also discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance various fields, especially economy and trade.

The Pakistani Ambassador pointed to the importance of supporting all tracks that promote holding parliamentary and presidential elections. He stressed the country’s support for the Presidential Council in reaching a solution to the current political crisis.

Pak-Libya Ties

The bilateral relations between Pakistan and Libya were established in the 1950s when King Idris agreed to provide financial aid to the then impoverished Pakistan.

Furthermore, Pakistan-Libya relations remain friendly and bonded throughout its history. Both countries share similar religious identities, and cultural links, particularly their Islamic heritage.

Gaddafi paid his first visit to Pakistan in 1974 to attend the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) held in Lahore. Subsequently, Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in his honor named the largest Cricket Stadium in Lahore “Gaddafi Stadium”.

Likewise, President Asif Ali Zardari visited Libya in 2009. The President termed Libya his “second home”. Additionally, Pakistan is one of the few countries with a functional Mission throughout and running Embassy Schools in Tripoli and Benghazi.

Pakistan’s Exports to Libya were US$11.68 Million in 2021, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.

Pakistani diaspora in Libya

There are around 30,000 Pakistanis who are residents of Libya. Besides that, in 2009, the Pakistani government pledged to send 50,000 skilled workers to Libya.

By the end of the year, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two countries during a visit of the President of Pakistan to Libya. Lastly, the Pakistani diaspora is also contributing meaningfully, which is much appreciated.

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