TEXT: Switzerland recognised Pakistan's independence in 1947. In 1949, the two countries established diplomatic relations. During the Bangladesh conflict (1971–76), Switzerland represented Pakistan's interests in India and vice versa.
The Swiss Embassy in Pakistan has been located in Islamabad since 1968. The foundation of the new Embassy building was laid in February 1992.
In 1966, Switzerland and Pakistan signed a technical cooperation agreement. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) opened a cooperation office in Islamabad in 1977. In December 2019, after more than 50 years and investments of around USD 750 million as official development assistance, the SDC closed its aid programme in Pakistan. To date, Switzerland is a member of the core group for the support platform for the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR) of the UNHCR in Pakistan, where particular emphasis is placed on education programmes. Moreover, small development projects in remote areas continue e.g. in Chani Ragyul (Gilgit-Baltistan).
Copyright Business Recorder, 2024
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