Karachi, 30 July 2026(Nosheen): Her Excellency the First Lady of Pakistan, Ms. Asifa Bhutto Zardari, graced the Mango Festival 2026 as the Chief Guest at a ceremony organized by the Foreign Affairs Liaison Office (FALO), Karachi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the Karachi Marriott Hotel on Thursday.
The Festival was organized as part of FALO Karachi’s public diplomacy initiatives to showcase Pakistan’s rich agricultural heritage, promote the country’s export potential, strengthen engagement with the diplomatic community, support economic diplomacy, and bring diplomacy closer to the people of Sindh through meaningful public outreach.
The event was attended by the Honourable Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah; Additional Foreign Secretary Ambassador Muhammad Khalid Jamali; Members of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh; members of the diplomatic corps, including Consuls General and Honorary Consuls based in Karachi; senior government officials; representatives of the United Nations Country Team in Pakistan; members of the business community; exporters; representatives of the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (PFVA); academia; civil society; media representatives; and other distinguished guests.
Welcoming the participants, Director General, Foreign Affairs Liaison Office, Karachi, Muhammad Irfan Soomro, expressed his gratitude to the First Lady for accepting the invitation to attend the Festival as Chief Guest. He said her presence added special significance to the event and reflected her continued commitment to promoting Pakistan’s positive image at home and abroad.
Mr. Soomro observed that, through her engagements with leaders and First Ladies across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, the First Lady has projected Pakistan’s values of dignity, compassion, and constructive engagement. He further noted that she is carrying forward the legacy of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and President Asif Ali Zardari, while serving as an inspiration for Pakistan’s youth, particularly girls and women, through her dedication to public service, humility, and compassion.
He said the Festival reflects FALO Karachi’s commitment to promoting Pakistan’s agricultural excellence, advancing economic diplomacy, and strengthening public engagement with diplomacy in Sindh.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah appreciated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and FALO Karachi for organizing the Festival and for strengthening engagement between the diplomatic community and the Government of Sindh. He said such initiatives provide an effective platform to showcase Sindh’s agricultural heritage, promote Pakistan’s premium agricultural products, and reinforce the country’s economic diplomacy. He reaffirmed the Sindh Government’s continued support for initiatives that enhance Pakistan’s international profile and expand opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural cooperation.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Foreign Secretary Ambassador Muhammad Khalid Jamali commended FALO Karachi for its proactive role in advancing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ diplomatic outreach in Sindh. He noted that under the leadership of Director General Muhammad Irfan Soomro, FALO Karachi has emerged as an effective bridge between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Sindh, the diplomatic corps, and other stakeholders. He appreciated the professionalism and dedication of the Office in promoting public diplomacy, facilitating diplomatic engagement, and supporting the Ministry’s outreach efforts across the province.
The Festival celebrated Pakistan’s internationally renowned mangoes, including Sindhri, Chaunsa, Langra, Anwar Ratol, and other premium varieties, highlighting the country’s rich agricultural heritage and export potential. Guests also enjoyed cultural performances, exhibitions, networking opportunities, and a lucky draw. Despite being held towards the end of the mango season, an impressive collection of Pakistan’s finest mangoes was assembled for display and tasting with the support of growers, exporters, and industry partners.
The Mango Festival 2026 reaffirmed FALO Karachi’s commitment to promoting Pakistan’s positive image through public diplomacy, strengthening engagement with the diplomatic community, highlighting the country’s vast potential in agriculture, trade, investment, and tourism, encouraging greater people-to-people contacts, and bringing diplomacy closer to the people of Sindh through meaningful public outreach initiatives.