Latest news with #Pakistan-UK
Express Tribune
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
CM praises UK's role amid regional tension
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has appreciated the positive and prudent role of the United Kingdom amid the recent Pakistan-India strained relations. The chief minister met British High Commissioner Jane Marriott. A luncheon was also hosted in the honour of outgoing Political Advisor to the British High Commission Zoe Ware on the occasion. Matters pertaining to mutual interest, bilateral cooperation, education, investment, environmental protection and promotion of partnership in the field of governance were discussed. The chief minister offered to enhance mutual cooperation in the fields of education, trade, investment, climate protection and governance. She appreciated Political Advisor Zoe Ware's role in global environmental projects like the 'Earthshot Prize'. She said, "The Punjab government holds in high esteem Jane Marriott's diplomatic services as a British High Commissioner. Her global diplomatic experience has enabled elevation of Pakistan-UK relations to a new height." She highlighted, "The Punjab government is determined to expand its partnership with the UK so as to explore new avenues of opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation. The presence of 1.7 million British-Pakistani community members belonging to Punjab speaks volumes of a long lasting mutual relationship between Pakistan and the UK." District beautification Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved beautification projects for 17 districts and directed the local administrations to take steps to provide funds for the schemes. Presiding over the 3rd session of a meeting with the commissioners and deputy commissioners, she was informed about the ongoing anti-encroachment operations and beautification plans in the districts. She comprehensively reviewed the ongoing development projects of various districts. The chief minister was given a briefing about the annual development programme of the districts. She announced honorarium for the DCs of Hafizabad, Rawalpindi and Narowal.
Business Recorder
17-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Dar, Lammy discuss regional developments
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom (UK) have emphasised the importance of restraint and sustained dialogue between the two nuclear-armed arch rivals, to prevent further escalation and to maintain regional peace and stability. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, met with the United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, Friday, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The two leaders discussed regional developments, including Pakistan-India ceasefire. The DPM appreciated the UK's constructive role in de-escalation. According to Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson, Dar extended a warm welcome to Foreign Secretary Lammy on his first official visit to Pakistan. The two leaders held detailed discussions on recent developments in South Asia, particularly the situation following the ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India. DPM/FM Dar briefed the UK foreign secretary on India's unprovoked and belligerent actions, which constituted a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty, international law, the UN Charter, and established norms of interstate relations. He underlined that Pakistan exercised its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and that Pakistan's response remained limited, precise, and proportionate, with utmost care taken to avoid civilian casualties. Dar appreciated the UK's constructive and productive engagement in helping de-escalate the situation. The two sides also held wide-ranging discussions on Pakistan-UK bilateral relations. They expressed satisfaction at the steady progress in trade, economic cooperation, and development partnerships. Dar acknowledged the UK's valuable support in priority areas including education, health, and climate resilience. The leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to expanding and deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including climate action and sustainable development. Both sides also reiterated their resolve to further strengthen the historic and enduring ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, based on mutual respect, shared values, and strong people-to-people connections. The visit of the UK foreign secretary reflects the robust and multifaceted partnership between Pakistan and the United Kingdom and their shared commitment to addressing regional and global challenges together. They also reviewed bilateral ties and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen relations and enhance economic and trade cooperation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan, UK discuss counterterrorism, security cooperation to tackle cross-border crime
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom (UK) have held talks on counterterrorism and security cooperation as both countries seek to promote bilateral cooperation to combat cross-border crimes, state media reported on Friday. The second round of the Pakistan-UK Counter Terrorism Dialogue took place in London in February 2025, reviewing global and regional threats and exchanging best practices. Over the years, the armed forces of both countries have also maintained close cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism efforts and professional military training. 'During the meeting discussions were held on Pakistan-UK relations, including enhancing cooperation in counterterrorism, security and preventing cross-border crimes,' Radio Pakistan said in a report following a meeting between Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and British Under Secretary of State for Faith, Communities and Resettlement Lord Wajid Khan. Earlier this month, Rana Sanaullah, an adviser to Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif, had met British High Commissioner Jane Marriott to discuss enhancing security cooperation between the two countries and adopting a joint strategy against 'terrorism.' Last June, Pakistan and the UK agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of organized crime and the prevention of illegal immigration during Naqvi's meeting with National Crime Agency Director-General James Babbage and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Director-General Jonathan Allen. In 2022, the UK signed an agreement with Pakistan allowing the return of foreign criminals and immigration offenders from the UK. Under this arrangement, Pakistani nationals with no legal right to stay in the UK including criminals, failed asylum seekers and immigration violators, can be deported. Pakistanis currently represent the seventh-largest group of foreign criminals in prisons across England and Wales, accounting for nearly 3 percent of the foreign national offender population.
Express Tribune
17-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to strengthen ties with UK
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening its relations with the United Kingdom across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges. He expressed these views during a meeting with UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Faith, Communities and Resettlement, Lord Wajid Khan, who called on him in Islamabad on Thursday. The prime minister acknowledged the positive role of the British Pakistani diaspora in fostering stronger bilateral ties, describing them as a vital bridge between the two countries. He also conveyed his best wishes to His Majesty King Charles III and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Prime Minister Sharif appreciated Lord Khan's ongoing efforts to enhance Pakistan-UK relations and explore new opportunities for collaboration. During the meeting, Lord Wajid Khan briefed the Prime Minister on his recent engagements and initiatives aimed at further strengthening bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. Separately, Lord Khan held a meeting with Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, and Interior Secretary Khurram Agha were also present. Interior Minister Naqvi emphasised Pakistan's interest in boosting cooperation with the UK across all mutually beneficial sectors. Lord Khan condemned the recent terrorist attack on the Jaffer Express and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He acknowledged Pakistan's immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
Express Tribune
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
General Asim Munir visits UK's Warminster and Larkhill garrisons
Listen to article Army Chief, General Asim Munir, visited the Warminster and Larkhill garrisons in the United Kingdom as part of his official tour. The visit was made at the invitation of the British Army Chief, General Sir Roland Walker. During the visit, General Munir was briefed on several projects, including those related to the British Army and the Deep Recce Strike Brigade. The Army Chief was also given a detailed demonstration of new military technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are being developed for future military operations. The visit comes shortly after General Munir's participation in the 7th Regional Stability Conference held at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK, where he further engaged in discussions about global military strategy and stability. Few days ago, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir arrived in the United Kingdom for an official visit to attend the 7th Regional Stabilisation Conference at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The conference, a key platform for Pakistan-UK military dialogue, brings together senior policymakers, military officials, and experts from both countries to discuss regional security dynamics. The army chief will deliver a keynote address on 'The Emerging World Order and Pakistan's Future Outlook', outlining Islamabad's perspective on evolving global and regional challenges. Upon arrival, the army chief received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the historic Royal Horse Guards Parade Ground, underscoring the importance of Pakistan-UK defence ties. During his visit, the army chief will hold high-level meetings with British officials, including Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the UK's Chief of Defence Staff, and General Sir Roland Walker, the British Army's Chief of the General Staff. Discussions will cover strategic cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and regional security. The army chief will also meet UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, focusing on bilateral security cooperation and shared challenges. Pakistan and the UK share a long-standing defence relationship, with joint counterterrorism training, military exchanges, and strategic dialogues playing a key role in bilateral ties. As part of his visit, the army chief will tour British military units, including the Land Warfare Centre and the 1st Strike Brigade, where he will receive briefings on the UK's military modernisation efforts.
