The Maldives and Pakistan have maintained close diplomatic relations for six decades, with their partnership rooted in shared Islamic values, mutual respect and a longstanding history of cooperation. The two countries formally established diplomatic ties on 26 July 1966, a year after the Maldives gained independence.
Over the years, Pakistan has contributed to the Maldives’ institutional development and capacity-building efforts. Habib Bank established its presence in the Maldives in 1976, while Pakistan also provided technical assistance in the preparation of the country’s Fourth Constitution. In 1981, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom acknowledged Pakistan’s contribution when presenting the draft constitution to the Special Parliament.
High-level exchanges further strengthened relations between the two countries. President Maumoon visited Pakistan in 1984, paving the way for closer bilateral engagement. The following year, Pakistan’s then-President General Zia-ul-Haq visited the Maldives, becoming the first Pakistani head of state to undertake a state visit to the country.
Cooperation also developed through regional diplomacy, particularly within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif first visited the Maldives in 1990 to attend the fifth SAARC Summit. He subsequently represented Pakistan at the 1997 summit hosted by the Maldives, while then-Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani attended the 2011 summit on Pakistan’s behalf. The Maldives has hosted the regional summit on three occasions.
Pakistan’s support for the Maldives is also reflected in the country’s parliamentary infrastructure. The Parliament building, a significant landmark in the Maldives, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 1998. Sharif later returned to the Maldives in 2017 for a state visit.
President Maumoon also participated in the fourth and 12th SAARC summits, held in Pakistan in 1988 and 2004, respectively, underscoring the importance both countries have placed on regional cooperation.
Humanitarian assistance has been another important dimension of the partnership. In 2004, then-Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz visited the Maldives. Following the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami that year, Pakistani military vessels were deployed to assist tourists affected by the disaster in the Maldives, demonstrating solidarity during a difficult period.
After President Maumoon’s tenure, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom became the next Maldivian president to visit Pakistan, undertaking the visit in 2015.
As the Maldives and Pakistan mark 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to Pakistan presents an important opportunity to build on this longstanding friendship. The visit, the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in a decade, is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation and open avenues for deeper engagement across areas of mutual interest.
The six-decade relationship reflects a history extending beyond formal diplomatic ties, encompassing shared values, development assistance, regional collaboration and support during times of need. Both countries now have an opportunity to strengthen this partnership further for the benefit of their people.
