The Embassy of Sweden in Pakistan hosted a reception on May 29, 2025, at the Swedish Residence in Islamabad to mark Sweden’s National Day and to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic and bilateral relations between Sweden and Pakistan.
The event brought together senior government officials, business leaders, civil society, cultural figures, alumni, the diplomatic community, media and friends of Sweden and Pakistan to celebrate this significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries.
A major highlight of the evening was the launch of a commemorative book titled “75 Years of Partnership – Sweden and Pakistan¸ accompanied by a mini book exhibition. The book and exhibition offered a glimpse into the 75-year journey of partnership, friendship and cooperation between Sweden and Pakistan. It traced key milestones in diplomatic relations, highlighting the important moments and official visits that helped shape the relation between the two nations. The exhibition also put a spotlight on the role of Swedish companies in Pakistan and their contributions to the country’s economic development, through innovation, expertise, technology and investments. Today, over 40 Swedish companies are active in Pakistan, operating across diverse sectors including information technology, telecommunications, packaging, industrial tools, clean and green technology, transport, energy, textiles and others. The exhibition also celebrated the many personal and professional connections between people in both countries. From students and educators to entrepreneurs, human rights activists and artists, these individual stories reflect unique perspectives of a shared journey.
Guests were treated to a live musical performance by local artists, who performed a selection of Swedish songs, a fun tribute to Sweden’s global music scene. From ABBA to Avicii, Sweden is one of the world’s biggest music exporters, and the performance brought a lively, cultural vibe to the evening.
Speaking at the occasion, Ambassador H.E. Alexandra Berg von Linde remarked:
“This evening is a celebration of Sweden’s National Day, as well as a tribute to 75 years of friendship and cooperation between Sweden and Pakistan. Our common journey is a story of many voices. The anniversary is a celebration of some of the individuals, companies, and institutions that have contributed to this partnership in their own unique ways. As we look ahead, we carry with us the a shared commitment to building a more inclusive, innovative and sustainable future.”
Chief Guest Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, also addressed the gathering and said:
“Pakistan deeply values its longstanding relationship with Sweden. The collaboration between our countries particularly in the areas of technology, innovation, and sustainability has laid a strong foundation for the future. We look forward to strengthening this partnership further, especially in advancing digital transformation and inclusive growth.”
The Embassy looks forward to continued collaboration in areas such as trade, climate action, innovation, education, and gender equality, reinforcing Sweden’s commitment to a strong and forward-looking relationship with Pakistan.