Latest news with #Pakistan-UK


Business Recorder
24-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM says ready for dialogue with India
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday commended the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, for her role in facilitating the United Kingdom's recent decision to allow Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to resume operations in British airspace – a breakthrough that could ease travel restrictions for thousands of British Pakistanis. During a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office, Sharif lauded the decision as a 'welcome step' that would not only reduce travel hardships for diaspora communities but also strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations. 'The resumption of PIA flights is a significant development for our citizens and a testament to our growing co-operation,' he added. Pak-India dialogue at neutral venue: Friendly states making intensive efforts The two officials also addressed a range of regional issues, including tensions in South Asia and developments in the Middle East. Sharif reiterated Pakistan's openness to dialogue with India on all longstanding disputes and expressed appreciation for Britain's efforts to de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear neighbours during past standoffs. The prime minister extended warm regards to King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer and expressed hope for a forthcoming meeting with the British leadership later this year. Sharif characterised current Pakistan-UK relations as being on an 'upward trajectory', citing recent trade discussions as a foundation for expanding bilateral co-operation. He also highlighted Pakistan's active engagement with the UK at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where Pakistan currently holds the rotating presidency. High Commissioner Marriott, for her part, briefed the prime minister on her recent visit to London, where she held high-level consultations aimed at deepening bilateral engagement. She praised the Sharif government's economic performance over the past 18 months, citing improvements in key macroeconomic indicators. Marriott also shared the UK's perspectives on evolving regional dynamics, underscoring the importance of continued diplomatic co-operation between London and Islamabad. The meeting concluded with a commitment from both sides to sustain momentum in economic, diplomatic, and strategic engagements. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Express Tribune
24-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM reiterates talk offer to India
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said Pakistan was ready for a meaningful dialogue with India on all outstanding issues. The prime minister stated this during his meeting with British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release. The prime minister expressed his appreciation for the UK's role in de-escalation of tensions during the Pakistan-India stand-off. He welcomed the UK government's recent decision to resume PIA flights to and from the UK, which he said, would go a long way in alleviating the hardships faced by the British Pakistani community as well as enhancing people-to-people exchanges. He particularly appreciated the role of the high commissioner in this regard. The regional situation in South Asia and the Middle East was also discussed. The UK high commissioner thanked the prime minister for receiving her and briefed him about her recent visit to London, where she had extensive consultations on enhancing Pakistan-UK bilateral ties. She lauded the government's economic performance in the last year and a half, under the vision and leadership of the prime minister, which had brought about a significant improvement in all key macro-economic indicators. She also shared with the prime minister, the UK's perspective on regional developments in South Asia and the Middle East. Privatization Commission Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the authorities to ensure that the Privatization Commission would be given full autonomy as per the law to eliminate red tape and unnecessary elements during the denationalisation process of the state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The prime minister chaired a review meeting on the progress of privatization of SOEs here at the Prime Minister's Office, a PM Office news release said.


Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Pakistan willing for ‘meaningful dialogue' with India: PM Shehbaz Sharif
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said his country was willing for a 'meaningful dialogue' with India to resolve all outstanding issues. Sharif made the remarks while talking to British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, who called on the Prime Minister at the PM House, according to an official statement. The two discussed bilateral relations as well as the regional situation in South Asia and the Middle East. 'The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the UK's role in de-escalation of tensions during the Pakistan-India standoff and reiterated that Pakistan was ready for a meaningful dialogue with India on all outstanding issues,' according to the statement. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10. India has made it clear that it will only have a dialogue with Pakistan on the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the issue of terrorism. On Pakistan-UK relations, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation and said that the recently held trade talks between the two countries would lead to mutually beneficial opportunities for both sides. He welcomed the UK government's recent decision to resume PIA flights to and from the UK, which, he said, would go a long way in alleviating the hardships faced by the British Pakistani community as well as enhancing people-to-people exchanges. During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed his warm wishes for King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He said he was looking forward to his meeting with the UK leadership later this year. The High Commissioner briefed him about her recent visit to London, where she had extensive consultations on enhancing Pakistan-UK bilateral ties. She lauded the government's economic performance in the last year and a half, under the vision and leadership of the Prime Minister, which had brought about a significant improvement in all key macro-economic indicators. She also shared with the Prime Minister, the UK's perspective on regional developments in South Asia and the Middle East.

Hindustan Times
23-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Pakistan willing for 'meaningful dialogue' with India: PM Shehbaz Sharif
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said his country was willing for a "meaningful dialogue" with India to resolve all outstanding issues. File photo of Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif.(REUTERS File) Sharif made the remarks while talking to British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, who called on the Prime Minister at the PM House, according to an official statement. The two discussed bilateral relations as well as the regional situation in South Asia and the Middle East. 'The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the UK's role in de-escalation of tensions during the Pakistan-India standoff and reiterated that Pakistan was ready for a meaningful dialogue with India on all outstanding issues,' according to the statement. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10. India has made it clear that it will only have a dialogue with Pakistan on the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the issue of terrorism. On Pakistan-UK relations, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation and said that the recently held trade talks between the two countries would lead to mutually beneficial opportunities for both sides. He welcomed the UK government's recent decision to resume PIA flights to and from the UK, which, he said, would go a long way in alleviating the hardships faced by the British Pakistani community as well as enhancing people-to-people exchanges. During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed his warm wishes for King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He said he was looking forward to his meeting with the UK leadership later this year. The High Commissioner briefed him about her recent visit to London, where she had extensive consultations on enhancing Pakistan-UK bilateral ties. She lauded the government's economic performance in the last year and a half, under the vision and leadership of the Prime Minister, which had brought about a significant improvement in all key macro-economic indicators. She also shared with the Prime Minister, the UK's perspective on regional developments in South Asia and the Middle East.


Express Tribune
23-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM calls for 'meaningful dialogue' with India to ease tensions in talks with British envoy
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated Pakistan's willingness to engage in a 'meaningful dialogue' with India on all outstanding issues, calling for diplomacy to address long-standing regional tensions, Radio Pakistan reported. In a meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, who called on the premier in Islamabad on Wednesday, he stressed the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means and reiterated that Pakistan remained committed to constructive engagement with its neighbours. PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-UK relations and said the recent trade talks between the two countries were expected to yield mutually beneficial opportunities while noting that Pakistan and the UK were cooperating closely at the United Nations Security Council, where Pakistan currently holds the monthly presidency. The prime minister also welcomed the UK government's recent decision to resume Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to and from the UK, saying that the move would ease travel difficulties for the British Pakistani community and promote greater people-to-people exchanges. He also appreciated the high commissioner's role in facilitating the decision. Also Read: PIA plans UK flights from Aug 14 He conveyed his warm regards to King Charles III and newly elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, adding that he looked forward to meeting the British leadership later this year. Marriott, in turn, thanked the prime minister for the meeting and briefed him on her recent visit to London, during which she held consultations on advancing bilateral cooperation. She commended the Pakistani government's economic performance over the past year and a half under the leadership of PM Shehbaz, highlighting improvements in key macroeconomic indicators. The high commissioner also shared the UK's perspectives on regional issues. Tensions between Pakistan and India deteriorated following the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in April, which claimed the lives of 26 people. New Delhi hastily blamed Islamabad for the attack, despite failing to provide any evidence. Over a span of four days in May, fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery were deployed in fierce clashes. A ceasefire was eventually announced on May 10 — a development the United States claimed to have brokered, though India has publicly denied any third-party involvement.