Pakistan-UK Parliamentary Friendship Group Holds Key Meeting to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Pakistan-UK Meeting Concludes with Exchange of Commemorative Shields

By DTD- On Apr 16, 2025

Islamabad — The Pakistan-UK Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) held a significant meeting on Wednesday at Parliament House, chaired by Minister of State for Railways and Group Convener, Bilal Azhar Kayani. The session marked a renewed commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and fostering deeper cooperation between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

The meeting was graced by the presence of Lord Wajid Khan, Member of the UK House of Lords and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Faith, Communities, and Resettlement, alongside British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott. Upon arrival, both dignitaries received a warm welcome from Bilal Azhar Kayani and other members of parliament.

In their opening remarks, Lord Wajid Khan and High Commissioner Jane Marriott expressed gratitude for the invitation and commended the efforts of Kayani and the Pakistani lawmakers in strengthening Pakistan-UK ties. They highlighted the importance of continued collaboration in various sectors and appreciated the group’s work in fostering diplomatic and legislative partnerships.

The meeting featured comprehensive discussions on key areas of mutual interest including bilateral trade, global and regional challenges, and cooperative measures on issues such as the Kashmir and Palestine conflicts, Islamophobia, climate change, and humanitarian concerns.

A dynamic Q&A session allowed for a candid exchange of ideas between UK representatives and Pakistani lawmakers, contributing to a constructive and forward-looking dialogue.

Both sides agreed on the need to enhance collaboration between the UK Parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) and the Pakistan-UK Parliamentary Friendship Group to deepen engagement and align shared goals.

Among the Pakistani parliamentarians in attendance were Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Latif Khosa, Tahira Aurangzeb, Shaista Pervaiz Malik, and Romina Khurshid Alam. Sharmila Faruqi, Dr. Shazia Soomro, and Daniyal Chaudhry also participated virtually via video link.

Officials from the British High Commission and the National Assembly Secretariat were present to support the proceedings. The meeting concluded on a high note with the exchange of commemorative shields, symbolizing the enduring friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.