Polish National Day marked in Islamabad: Ambassador reflects on four-year tenure, lauds strengthening Pakistan–Poland ties

Poland’s National Day was celebrated in Islamabad with a dignified ceremony attended by parliamentarians, federal ministers, diplomats, and distinguished guests

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th May, 2026) Poland’s National Day was celebrated in Islamabad with a dignified ceremony attended by parliamentarians, federal ministers, diplomats, and distinguished guests.

The event commemorated the historic Third May Constitution of 1791, a milestone that the Polish Ambassador described as a symbol of “freedom, self-determination and civic empowerment” cherished by generations of Poles for more than two centuries.

In what he hinted may be his final address in Pakistan, the Ambassador delivered a heartfelt and reflective speech, encapsulating his four-and-a-half-year diplomatic journey in the country. “Sooner or later , or rather sooner than later, the inevitable will arrive and we will move on to another place. It is a simple fact in any diplomatic journey,” he remarked.

The Ambassador noted that despite an increasingly unstable global environment, Pakistan and Poland have significantly elevated their bilateral cooperation. He recalled Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski’s successful visit to Islamabad in October 2025, followed by high-level engagements with Pakistan’s top leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

He highlighted shared commitments to international law and the UN Charter, reaffirming both nations’ desire to contribute to global peace and stability. Further strengthening ties, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Poland in February this year, enhancing cooperation against transborder and transnational security threats.

Polish–Pakistani trade crossed USD 1.3 billion last year — termed a “GSP Plus miracle” by the Ambassador. Though satisfied with growing trade, he stressed the need for greater Polish exports to Pakistan.

He also praised the Polish Oil and Gas Company — a subsidiary of the Orlen Group — for investing USD 500 million in gas exploration projects in Sindh, contributing indigenous gas, advanced technologies, and vocational training. “With proper conditions, we can expect much more to come,” he added, noting expanding opportunities in fintech and green technologies.

The Ambassador spoke about major global crises, including the Gaza humanitarian catastrophe and terrorism in the region, reaffirming Poland’s principled stance against injustice and human suffering. He commended Pakistan’s role in mediating Middle East tensions through the “Islamabad Process,” expressing hope for its success.

Reflecting on his tenure, the Ambassador emphasized that the strongest legacy remains the deep connections built with the people of Pakistan. He highlighted the Embassy’s work with NGOs, including educational projects in Islamabad and Chapursan Valley, vocational training for underprivileged children, and collaborations with women activists in Hunza.

He also highlighted cultural exchanges, from promoting Polish classical and folk music to celebrating Poland’s mountaineering history, including the legacy of Wanda Rutkiewicz, the first woman to summit K2 in 1986.

He further noted renewed cooperation between think tanks following the signing of an MoU between the Polish Institute of Foreign Affairs and the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad, enabling greater academic exchange.

The Ambassador paid tribute to his wife, the Embassy staff, local workers, and the many Pakistanis who made his stay memorable. “Thank you for helping us discover magical places such as Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, Karachi, Peshawar, Skardu and Hunza,” he said. “The image of Pakistan imprinted in our hearts and minds will remain vivid and authentic.”