Makati City, Philippines- Its not everyday can you find like minded people speaking about common topics that ignite the mind. such as this interview with Her Excellency Dr. Asima Rabbani, the Ambassador from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Republic of the Philippines last October 7, 2025.

Pakistan has largely influence the Halal industry in the country, with the influx of Pakistani Restaurants and Pakistani Inspired dishes whom most Filipino including non-Muslims get to love and patronize that has sprung all over the metropolitan Manila area as well as the mega Manila area and has largely contributed to the booming Halal food industry in the country.

Though Halal food industry is considered as in its infancy foreign Muslim brethren and their culinary business add to the flavors that influence Muslim Filipino cuisine. Yet another part of the Pakistani character that the Tagalog Ummah should emulate is their empathy to the brethren in Palestine.

Seen in the above video is the conversation or at least what H.E Dr Rabbani’s sentiments over the plight of the Palestinians under the Apartheid regime of the Zionist Israel moreover the sympathetic explanations coming from not just a diplomat but a mother concerned for her children.

She’s hoping and praying for the immediate resolution to the illegal occupation yet she’s not in favor of a two state solution because before becoming the State of Israel, Palestine is already Palestine.

Meanwhile after the emotional conversations about the situation of Palestinian children being killed, mothers and pregnant women being bombs and slaughtered in Gaza by Israel the mood lightened when she talked about Pakistan’s economic agenda with the Philippines such as rice exports, trade and commerce and inviting Pakistani Investors to invest in the Philippines.

Pakistan also has a stake in the Medical Industry such as, surgical and pharmaceutical and related scientific endeavors with collaboration of experts in both countries for mutual development yet the embassy is geared toward trade and business.

In the realm of Halal here in the Philippines much has to be accomplished in order to have a true Muslim friendly industry, whether it be on food, pharmaceutical, tourism and manufacturing because Halal is not only for Muslim but for non-Muslim as well and a billion dollar industry like Halal does not only require awareness but certification and implementation.