Pakistan (Islamic Republic of)

Pakistan (Islamic Republic of)

History of Relations

Relations between South Africa and Pakistan are cordial and go back more than six decades. Since its independence, Pakistan has voiced it opposition against Apartheid and racial discrimination in South Africa. In view of Pakistan’s support for the liberation struggle, strong bonds of friendship have formed and solidified between the two countries since 1994.

An exchange of Notes on Establishing Diplomatic Relations in April 1994 led to the establishing of full diplomatic relations in April 1994 with High Commissioner Ismail Coovadia becoming South Africa’s first High Commissioner to Pakistan taking up his position in July 1995. Pakistan established a High Commission in Pretoria in December 1993.

The First Session of the Joint Commission was held in Islamabad from 11 to 13 March 2007, at DG level. The Joint Commission provides a formal platform for structured bilateral discussions between South Africa and Pakistan.

In November 2014, the Fourth Session of the Joint Commission was held in Pretoria. The meeting reaffirmed the good bilateral relations between South Africa and Pakistan, reflected on the progress made in strengthening relations and explored new avenues and opportunities for improving cooperation in various sectors. The potential for strengthening cooperation spans a number of fields, including trade, energy, defence, health, higher education, justice, transport and mining.

The Fifth Meeting of the Joint Commission is scheduled to be held in Islamabad at a date convenient to both countries and this will be the first time that the Joint Commission will be co-chaired, at a higher level of representation indicating the strengthening of the bilateral relationship between South Africa and Pakistan.

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Pakistan

H E Mr M Madikiza
High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

South African High Commission

Pakistani Representation in South Africa

H E Mr M Javed
High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Travel Info

Visa Requirements for South Africans

For more information contact the Pakistan High Commission in Pretoria.

Health Requirements

South Africans need proof of immunisation against yellow fever. There are no other immunisation requirements for tourists. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, diphtheria and tetanus are however strongly advisable. Malaria occurs all year round throughout Pakistan and medical advice should be sought on preventive medication prior to visiting Pakistan.

For further information go to Travelers' Health.

Climate Info

Pakistan has three clearly distinguishable seasons: cool (autumn to winter, October through February), hot/dry (spring, March to June) and hot/wet (summer, July to September). There are, however, big regional variations. The capital Islamabad is hot and humid in summer. Temperatures generally exceed mid-30's from May to August and reach between 40 and 44 degrees Celsius for a few weeks in June/July. Winter temperatures in the capital average 2 to 10 degrees Celsius.

For up-to-date weather information click here.

Currency Info

The monetary unit is the Pakistan Rupee (not to be confused with the Indian Rupee), abbreviated to Rs. The currency is freely convertible.

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

High-level visits between the two countries include former President Nelson Mandela during May 1999, Deputy Minister Ebrahim in November 2012, and Minister Mapisa-Nqakula in March 2017, when the two countries signed a MoU on Defence Industrial Cooperation. Mr Gohar Ayub Khan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, visited South Africa – in January 1998, Mr Syed Naveed Qamar, Pakistani Minister of Defence, in September 2012, President Mamnoon attended the funeral of former President Mandela in December 2013, and the Minister of Defence Procurement of Pakistan during 2015 and 2016.

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) at 012 351 1000.

Trade Info

According to SARS, South Africa's main exports to Pakistan include machinery, prepared foodstuffs, vegetables, live animals, textiles, stone & glasses, vehicles aircraft & vessels, chemicals, footwear, toys & sport apparel. Pakistan's main exports to South Africa include precious metal, iron & steel, photographic & medical equipment, machinery, footwear, vegetables, chemicals, raw hides and leather, plastics & rubber.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Pakistan, visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa.

Interest Groups and Information

No Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is Pakistan's population?

A: Pakistan has an estimated 220 million people which makes it the world's fifth-most populous country. Pakistan population is equivalent to 2.83% of the total world population.

Q: What is the literacy rate in Pakistan?

A: Total literacy stands at 58% (2020). The literacy rate for females are 53.7% and for males 75.3%.

Q: What languages are spoken in Pakistan?

A: The national language is Urdu, but English is commonly used by the Pakistani elite and most government ministries. Regional languages include Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto and Baluchi.

Q: What is Pakistan's main religion?

A: According to the 2017 Census, 96.2% of the population are Muslim, Christians 1.59%, Hindus 1.6 and other minority religious groups make up the remaining 0.61%.