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Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahraini Parliamentary Delegation Concludes Landmark Visit to the United Kingdom
His Excellency Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, Speaker of Bahrain's Parliament, concluded a successful official visit to the United Kingdom. The visit came at the invitation of the Right Honourable Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, as part of a mutual drive to usher in a new era of parliamentary cooperation and shared progress between the two nations. The high-level delegation engaged in a series of strategic meetings and discussions focused on boosting parliamentary, political, and economic collaboration. Central to the visit was a pivotal dialogue between HE Al-Musallam and Sir Lindsay Hoyle, during which both parties agreed to embark on a renewed phase of bilateral parliamentary partnership. This includes the exchange of legislative expertise and the strengthening of institutional ties. HE Al-Musallam also extended a formal invitation to his British counterpart to visit the Kingdom of Bahrain in the near future, marking a potential milestone in legislative diplomacy. As part of Bahrain's broader vision for economic growth and international investment, the Speaker also held talks with Alderman Alastair King, Lord Mayor of the City of London. The meeting centered on enhancing financial cooperation and investment opportunities between Bahraini and British institutions, while also emphasizing the importance of evolving legislative frameworks that attract global capital and support sustainable economic growth. Furthering its commitment to parliamentary diplomacy, the delegation met with the UK Parliament's All-Party Parliamentary Group on Bahrain. Discussions explored regional and global developments, and both sides reaffirmed the importance of open dialogue in shaping stronger legislative cooperation. The meeting underscored the shared desire to build bridges between the two parliaments and contribute to a broader understanding of mutual interests. The visit also featured a reception hosted by Bahrain's Embassy in the UK, attended by Members of the House of Commons and House of Lords, as well as British officials. The gathering provided a platform to highlight Bahrain's role in promoting regional stability and development, while celebrating the strong bonds between both nations. HE Al-Musallam praised the efforts of His Excellency Sheikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps and Bahrain's Ambassador to the UK, for his instrumental role in strengthening Bahrain-UK relations. He reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to advancing parliamentary dialogue with both Houses of the British Parliament to serve shared interests and support regional peace and sustainable development. The Bahraini parliamentary delegation included: MP Abdulnabi Salman Nasser, First Deputy Speaker MP Hassan Eid Bukhamas, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee MP Hassan Ibrahim Hassan, Deputy Chair of the same committee MP Zainab Abdulameer Khalil MP Maryam Saleh Al-Dhaen MP Dr. Hesham Ahmed Al Ashiri Engineer Mohammed Ibrahim Al Sisi Al Buainain, Secretary-General of the Council of Representatives The visit marks a renewed commitment to stronger bilateral ties, laying the groundwork for future cooperation that reflects the enduring friendship between Bahrain and the United Kingdom — a partnership warmly supported by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Majesty King Charles III.
NDTV
7 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
"Who's In Charge - Democracy Or Generals": UK MP Slams "Failed State" Pakistan
London: Branding Pakistan as a "failed state", UK MP Bob Blackman on Tuesday launched a scathing attack at India's neighbour, questioning if either "democracy or generals" was in charge of Pakistan, referring to the country's unchecked military influence in its governance. Speaking to ANI following a meeting with the all-party delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad in London, the UK MP urged the international community to stand with India in its fight against terrorism while blisteringly critiquing Pakistan for its encouragement of terrorism in sovereign Indian territory and its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. He further slammed the nation for fostering a breeding ground for terror that undermines regional peace and stability, while calling for the reunification of Jammu and Kashmir under India as intended in 1947. "Pakistan is a failed state. We don't have democracy in Pakistan. We have the people of parts of Pakistan, who are suffering under Pakistani military rule. So who's in charge? Is it the democracy or the Generals? And it's quite clear that terrorism is encouraged from Pakistan into sovereign India," Mr Blackman stated. "And so we've got to make sure we have to call out the message that the illegal occupation of part of India in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan should end. Those troops should leave, and the whole of Jammu and Kashmir should be united as one principal state, as was intended back in 1947. And then we can lead to the eradication of terrorism and make sure that the people of that great state can celebrate the beauty of the valley," he added. Mr Blackman further raised critical concerns over Pakistan's use of international aid money, questioning whether funds meant for the country's development were being diverted to purchase Chinese weapons for terrorism against India. He also expressed the UK's condolences and support for India's anti-terrorism actions, emphasising India's desire for peace and questioning Pakistan's misuse of aid for military purposes, advocating for its use in health initiatives like polio eradication. "We had a meeting and it's great to see the delegation from all parts of India... Everyone from the United Kingdom expresses their condolences and support for the people of India who've suffered this terrorist outrage... India wants peace and tranquillity between the two," Mr Blackman stated. "The money that's sent to Pakistan, what is it used for? What it shouldn't be used for is buying Chinese weapons that would then enable terrorists to attack India, and I take a very strong view that our international aid money that should go to Pakistan should be going for the eradication of polio and other infectious diseases that benefit the people of Pakistan rather than it being used illicitly for military purposes," he added. The BJP MP-led all-party delegation earlier held a meeting with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)-India, which Blackman was a member of. During the meeting, the UK MPs affirmed the country's solidarity with India in isolating Pakistan and enhancing security cooperation. Key figures like House of Lords MP Lord Karan Bilimoria and former member of the UK Parliament Shailesh Vara also expressed unanimous cross-party support in the UK for India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, alongside discussions on deepening India-UK ties in trade, security, and education, despite last-minute camera restrictions leading to phone recordings.
News18
7 days ago
- Politics
- News18
UK MP Bob Blackman Calls Pakistan a ‘Failed State', Urges End To Illegal Occupation Of Kashmir
Last Updated: Blackman also raised pointed questions about Pakistan's use of international aid, suggesting that funds intended for development were being misused to procure Chinese weapons Branding Pakistan a 'failed state", UK Member of Parliament Bob Blackman launched a sharp critique of the neighbouring country on Tuesday, questioning whether 'democracy or generals" were in charge in Islamabad. The remarks came amid growing global scrutiny of Pakistan's military dominance and support for cross-border terrorism. In a conversation with ANI after a meeting with the all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad in London, Blackman called on the international community to stand with India in its fight against terror. He accused Pakistan of encouraging terrorism in Indian territory and condemned its continued illegal occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir. 'Pakistan is a failed state. We don't have democracy in Pakistan. We have the people of parts of Pakistan, who are suffering under Pakistani military rule. So who's in charge? Is it the democracy or the Generals? And it's quite clear that terrorism is encouraged from Pakistan into sovereign India," Blackman told ANI. He continued, 'And so we've got to make sure we have to call out the message that the illegal occupation of part of India in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan should end. Those troops should leave, and the whole of Jammu and Kashmir should be united as one principal state, as was intended back in 1947. And then we can lead to the eradication of terrorism and make sure that the people of that great state can celebrate the beauty of the valley." Blackman also raised pointed questions about Pakistan's use of international aid, suggesting that funds intended for development were being misused to procure Chinese weapons for terror activities against India. He stressed that aid should instead support healthcare efforts like polio eradication. 'We had a meeting and it's great to see the delegation from all parts of India… Everyone from the United Kingdom expresses their condolences and support for the people of India who've suffered this terrorist outrage… India wants peace and tranquillity between the two," he said, as quoted by ANI. 'The money that's sent to Pakistan, what is it used for? What it shouldn't be used for is buying Chinese weapons that would then enable terrorists to attack India, and I take a very strong view that our international aid money that should go to Pakistan should be going for the eradication of polio and other infectious diseases that benefit the people of Pakistan rather than it being used illicitly for military purposes," Blackman added. Earlier, the Indian delegation met with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)-India, of which Blackman is a member. UK MPs expressed solidarity with India, backing its efforts to isolate Pakistan diplomatically. Other UK leaders, including Lord Karan Bilimoria and former MP Shailesh Vara, extended cross-party support for India's stance post the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, and discussed stronger bilateral cooperation in trade, security, and education. First Published: June 04, 2025, 08:53 IST
India Today
7 days ago
- General
- India Today
Who's in charge, democracy or generals? UK MP calls Pakistan a failed state
UK MP Bob Blackman labelled Pakistan a "failed state" and raised concerns over whether it is truly governed by democracy or the military. His remarks followed a high-level meeting in London with an Indian parliamentary delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad."Pakistan is a failed state. We don't have democracy in Pakistan. We have people in parts of Pakistan suffering under military rule. So who's in charge? Is it democracy or the Generals?" Blackman said. Speaking to ANI, Blackman also accused Pakistan of fostering terrorism on Indian soil and called for international solidarity with India in its fight against quite clear that terrorism is encouraged from Pakistan into sovereign India," he said. "The illegal occupation of part of India in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan should end. Those troops should leave, and the whole of Jammu and Kashmir should be united, as was intended back in 1947."UK MP QUESTIONS AID TO PAKISTAN Blackman also raised questions over how international aid sent to Pakistan is being used, alleging that funds intended for development may be diverted to buy Chinese weapons used by terrorists targeting India."The money that's sent to Pakistan — what is it used for? It shouldn't be buying Chinese weapons to attack India. That aid should go to eradicating diseases like polio, not for military misuse," Blackman expressed strong UK solidarity with India, particularly in the wake of the recent April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, and emphasised the need for deeper India-UK ties in trade, security, and the delegation's interaction with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on India -- of which Blackman is a member -- UK lawmakers, including Lord Karan Bilimoria and former MP Shailesh Vara, extended bipartisan support for India's anti-terrorism Watch
India Gazette
03-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Who's in charge--Democracy or Generals?": UK MP tears into Pakistan, urges world to stand with India
London [UK], June 3 (ANI): Branding Pakistan as a 'failed state', UK MP Bob Blackman on Tuesday launched a scathing attack at India's neighbour, questioning if either 'democracy or generals' was in charge of Pakistan, referring to the country's unchecked military influence in its governance. Speaking to ANI following a meeting with the all-party delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad in London, the UK MP urged the international community to stand with India in its fight against terrorism while blisteringly critiquing Pakistan for its encouragement of terrorism in sovereign Indian territory and its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. He further slammed the nation for fostering a breeding ground for terror that undermines regional peace and stability, while calling for the reunification of Jammu and Kashmir under India as intended in 1947. 'Pakistan is a failed state. We don't have democracy in Pakistan. We have the people of parts of Pakistan, who are suffering under Pakistani military rule. So who's in charge? Is it the democracy or the Generals? And it's quite clear that terrorism is encouraged from Pakistan into sovereign India,' Blackman stated. 'And so we've got to make sure we have to call out the message that the illegal occupation of part of India in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan should end. Those troops should leave, and the whole of Jammu and Kashmir should be united as one principal state, as was intended back in 1947. And then we can lead to the eradication of terrorism and make sure that the people of that great state can celebrate the beauty of the valley,' he added. Blackman further raised critical concerns over Pakistan's use of international aid money, questioning whether funds meant for the country's development were being diverted to purchase Chinese weapons for terrorism against India. He also expressed the UK's condolences and support for India's anti-terrorism actions, emphasising India's desire for peace and questioning Pakistan's misuse of aid for military purposes, advocating for its use in health initiatives like polio eradication. 'We had a meeting and it's great to see the delegation from all parts of India... Everyone from the United Kingdom expresses their condolences and support for the people of India who've suffered this terrorist outrage... India wants peace and tranquillity between the two,' Blackman stated. 'The money that's sent to Pakistan, what is it used for? What it shouldn't be used for is buying Chinese weapons that would then enable terrorists to attack India, and I take a very strong view that our international aid money that should go to Pakistan should be going for the eradication of polio and other infectious diseases that benefit the people of Pakistan rather than it being used illicitly for military purposes,' he added. The BJP MP-led all-party delegation earlier held a meeting with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)-India, which Blackman was a member of. During the meeting, the UK MPs affirmed the country's solidarity with India in isolating Pakistan and enhancing security cooperation. Key figures like House of Lords MP Lord Karan Bilimoria and former member of the UK Parliament Shailesh Vara also expressed unanimous cross-party support in the UK for India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, alongside discussions on deepening India-UK ties in trade, security, and education, despite last-minute camera restrictions leading to phone recordings. (ANI)
