Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu Receives Guard of Honour at PM House in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK, October 21, 2026: Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu received a guard of honour at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad on Wednesday as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally welcomed him during his three-day state visit to Pakistan.

The ceremony featured the national anthems of Pakistan and the Maldives, followed by a guard of honour presented by a contingent of the Pakistan armed forces. The two leaders exchanged greetings and introduced members of their respective delegations.

President Muizzu also planted a sapling on the lawns of the Prime Minister’s House, while prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of both countries.

Pakistan and Maldives Seek Stronger Bilateral Relations

President Muizzu arrived in Islamabad on October 20 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He is accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers and senior officials.

The state visit runs from October 20 to 22 and marks the first visit by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years. It also coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in 1966.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the visit provides an opportunity to review bilateral relations and explore new avenues for cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Ishaq Dar Meets Maldivian President

Earlier on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met President Muizzu in Islamabad and welcomed him and his delegation to Pakistan.

According to the Foreign Office, Dar conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

He highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, education, climate change and tourism. Dar also welcomed the participation of Maldivian business representatives in the Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum, expressing hope that business-to-business engagement would generate new commercial opportunities.

President Muizzu appreciated the welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation, expressing the Maldives’ desire to deepen relations with Pakistan and explore mutually beneficial areas of cooperation.

Trade, Investment and Cooperation on Agenda

During the visit, President Muizzu is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at both restricted and delegation levels. He will also meet President Asif Ali Zardari, who is expected to host a state banquet in his honour.

The two sides are expected to discuss cooperation in trade, investment, health, education, tourism, agriculture, defence, maritime security, climate change and people-to-people exchanges. Regional and international developments of mutual interest are also on the agenda.

A Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum is planned to bring together business communities from both countries and explore opportunities for trade and investment. Several agreements and memorandums of understanding covering bilateral cooperation are expected to be signed during the visit, according to the Foreign Office.

Visit Marks 60 Years of Diplomatic Ties

Pakistan and the Maldives established diplomatic relations in 1966 and maintain engagement through bilateral and multilateral forums.

The current visit offers both countries an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic engagement, expand economic links and identify practical areas for cooperation.

The outcomes of the official talks and any agreements signed during the visit are expected to provide further detail on the future direction of Pakistan-Maldives relations.