KEY POINTS
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a vibrant Mango Festival attended by diplomats and their families
- The event highlighted Pakistan’s historic tradition of “mango diplomacy,” where mangoes are gifted to world leaders as a gesture of goodwill
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a Mango Festival on Thursday to celebrate the country’s national fruit and highlight its role in soft diplomacy.
Diplomats and their families attended the colourful event, which showcased mangoes as both an agricultural asset and a symbol of friendship, generosity, and cultural pride.
Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan also attended the event, and underscored the mango’s symbolic weight in Pakistan’s international outreach. “Pakistan’s mangoes are among the finest in the world,” said Khan.
“Through this festival, we aim to share a cherished part of our culture with our friends in the diplomatic community.”
He also called attention to the untapped commercial potential of mango exports, expressing optimism about future growth in the sector.
Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch echoed these sentiments, hailing the mango as an icon of Pakistan’s agricultural heritage and a driver of soft power.
She noted that Pakistan ranks as the world’s fifth-largest producer of mangoes and stressed the importance of investing in value-added agriculture to enhance global competitiveness.
Guests at the festival were treated to an array of premium mango varieties, including the famed Sindhri, Chaunsa, Anwar Ratol, and Langra. Mango-based desserts and drinks added a festive flavour to the occasion, which also served as a platform for informal diplomacy and cross-cultural engagement.
Legacy of ‘Mango Diplomacy’
Thursday’s celebration is part of a longstanding tradition known informally as “mango diplomacy” — a term that refers to Pakistan’s unique use of its prized fruit in foreign policy.
The practice dates back to the early years of Pakistan’s statehood when mango crates were sent as seasonal gifts to world leaders, including heads of state in China, the United States, the Middle East, and beyond.
In more recent years, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has revitalized the practice, sending carefully curated boxes of Pakistani mangoes to counterparts and ambassadors around the globe.
The gesture is often seen as a sweet yet strategic symbol of goodwill, reinforcing bilateral ties in a non-traditional, people-friendly manner.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrated Pakistan’s rich mango heritage today with a lively Mango Festival at Serena Hotel, showcasing the country’s diverse mango varieties and exquisite mango-inspired cuisine.
The event hosted jointly with Serena Hotel and Pakistan Fruit… pic.twitter.com/hZBSvcEOcr
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 12, 2025
Mango diplomacy has not only helped showcase the country’s agricultural excellence but also positioned mangoes as a form of cultural storytelling — each variety offering a taste of the diverse regions of Pakistan.
From the rich sweetness of Chaunsa in Punjab to the early-season aroma of Sindhri in Sindh, the fruit encapsulates the nation’s regional identities and culinary richness.
Agriculture, Economy, and Export Potential
As global demand for exotic and premium fruits rises, Pakistan’s mango industry stands at a critical crossroads. Commerce Minister Khan noted that while production is high, there is significant room for growth in exports, branding, and processing.
Foreign Secretary Baloch emphasized that the government is committed to modernizing agriculture and supporting farmers through better infrastructure, technology, and access to international markets.
#MangoesOfPakistan pic.twitter.com/7kKxeu9CYZ
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 12, 2025
Initiatives to improve cold chain logistics and compliance with international quality standards are underway to position Pakistan’s mangoes more competitively on the global stage.
Fruitful Future
As crates of mangoes continue to cross borders, they carry more than just sweetness — they carry messages of peace, hospitality, and mutual respect.
#MangoDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/kEoEHxRJSA
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 12, 2025
Through events like this Mango Festival, Pakistan not only celebrates a national treasure but also reaffirms its commitment to building bridges through culture and cuisine.
In the heat of summer, the mango may be the king of fruits, but in Pakistan’s foreign policy toolkit, it is also an ambassador of goodwill.
