Welcome
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ
Welcome to the Embassy of Switzerland in Pakistan’s website. I am delighted to take up my position as Swiss Ambassador to Pakistan and Chargé d’affaires to Afghanistan.
Switzerland’s engagement is guided by the Swiss Federal Council’s Foreign Policy Strategy 2024-27. This strategy identifies peace and security, prosperity and competitiveness, as well as democracy and governance as Switzerland’s thematic priorities, while also underscoring the value of constructive relations with every region of the world.
The economic ties between Switzerland and Pakistan rest on solid ground. The Agreement on the promotion of reciprocal protection of investments has now been in force for thirty years. Swiss companies represent the third largest source of direct investment in Pakistan, employing thousands of people and driving growth in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food and engineering. The Embassy works with partners such as the Swiss Business Council of Pakistan and Switzerland Global Enterprise to facilitate new opportunities for trade and investment, especially for SMEs. Switzerland offers business-friendly regulations, a stable economy, good governance and result-oriented innovation. This creates an opportunity for Pakistani industrialists to join hands with their Swiss counterparts to realise the trade potential between the two countries.
In the field of research and development, the Embassy also connects Pakistani and Swiss universities, researchers, and start-ups; promotes higher education opportunities through the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships; and supports cultural projects through Pro-Helvetia and Presence Switzerland, bringing artists and audiences from both countries together.
Traditionally, Switzerland has stood with Pakistan during natural disasters through humanitarian engagements since 1966. Continuing this support, Switzerland stood in solidarity with Pakistan after the worst floods of the century in 2022, providing humanitarian aid and technical assistance. During his official visit in July 2023, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Switzerland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, signed a Memorandum of Understanding between Switzerland and Pakistan aiming to pool resources, knowledge and expertise in the field of disaster risk management.
With regard to Afghanistan, Switzerland’s long-standing engagement with the Afghan people reached a significant milestone in March 2025 with the reopening of its humanitarian office in Kabul, which has now been fully operational for nearly a year and a half. This direct presence is vital, given that in 2026, an estimated 22.9 million people in Afghanistan require humanitarian assistance amid a strained economy, limited access to essential services, recurring climatic shocks, and the large-scale return of Afghans from neighbouring countries. Through its office in Kabul, Switzerland is able to remain close to local communities, gain a precise understanding of needs on the ground, and work closely with local and international partners to ensure that support is effective and responsive. Ultimately, this operational proximity ensures that Switzerland can swiftly adapt its programmes to evolving needs, ensuring vital contributions across humanitarian aid, rural food security, and the protection of Afghan civil society. In doing so, Switzerland reinforces its enduring commitment to the well-being of the Afghan population.
Our consular team assists Swiss citizens living in or travelling through the region, handles visa matters, and supports those who wish to visit, study or do business in Switzerland.
I warmly invite you to follow our activities on Facebook, X and our website for practical information on visas and consular services.
Discovering Pakistan is a privilege. I am delighted to explore its landscapes, cities, history, and above all, its people. Whether you are a Swiss citizen in the region, a Pakistani friend of Switzerland, a business partner, or curious about our country, my team and I look forward to hearing from you.
مجھے آپ سے شرفِ ملاقات کا انتظار ہے۔
خوشبخت هستم از مل مشتاق دیدارتان هستم۔
ستاسو سره میلاوېدو ته په تمه یم۔
Ambassador of Switzerland
Stéphane Rey