The World Ambassador
ISLAMABAD, June 5: The British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ms. Jane Marriott, called on Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani at his official residence on Wednesday. The meeting focused on advancing bilateral parliamentary and diplomatic ties, regional stability, and cooperation across key sectors.
Chairman Senate Gilani emphasized the longstanding, robust relationship between Pakistan and the United Kingdom—one rooted in shared history, values, and mutual respect. He noted that bilateral cooperation continues to grow across diverse fields and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing this relationship into an Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
Role of British Pakistani Community
Highlighting the importance of people-to-people links, Mr. Gilani praised the over 1.7 million-strong British Pakistani community for serving as a vital bridge between the two nations, strengthening social, cultural, and economic connections.
Regional Peace and Security
Underscoring the importance of peace in South Asia, the Chairman appreciated the UK’s constructive role in easing regional tensions, particularly between Pakistan and India.
“I am a man of peace and strongly believe that prosperity cannot be achieved without peace,” he remarked.
Mr. Gilani also raised concerns over cross-border terrorism originating from Afghanistan and called for enhanced regional security cooperation and counter-terrorism collaboration with the UK.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stressed the need for a just resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions. He further urged the international community to address ongoing challenges, including cross-border infiltration and the protracted Afghan refugee crisis, noting Pakistan’s decades-long humanitarian role in hosting over 3 million Afghan refugees.
Climate Change and Environmental Cooperation
The Chairman emphasized that Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change and called for global action and bilateral collaboration. He proposed working with the UK on initiatives involving green energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development.
Trade and Economic Growth
Mr. Gilani highlighted that the current bilateral trade volume of £4.1 billion falls short of its true potential. He called for intensified efforts to explore new avenues for economic growth, investment, and technology exchange.
Education and Academic Ties
Calling for deeper academic engagement, the Chairman advocated for expanded scholarships, institutional partnerships, and streamlined visa facilitation for Pakistani students, researchers, and professionals. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by British universities in strengthening educational links.
Security and Defense Cooperation
Mr. Gilani reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to combating terrorism and expressed interest in enhancing cooperation with the UK in cybersecurity, intelligence sharing, defense collaboration, and joint training programs.
Strengthening Parliamentary Engagement
The Chairman welcomed the growing momentum in high-level political and parliamentary exchanges between Pakistan and the UK. He called for increased collaboration between legislative bodies and more frequent people-to-people interactions to bolster mutual understanding.
Concluding Remarks
In his closing statement, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s vision for a dynamic, multifaceted partnership with the United Kingdom—anchored in shared prosperity and regional stability. He extended his best wishes to the UK leadership, including High Commissioner Marriott, and appreciated her efforts in advancing bilateral relations.
High Commissioner Marriott echoed Chairman Gilani’s sentiments and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to deepening cooperation across all areas of mutual interest. She thanked the Chairman for his warm welcome and constructive engagement, expressing optimism about the future of Pakistan–UK relations.
