At King Charles birthday event, PM Shehbaz seeks closer Pakistan-UK trade ties

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for expanding trade and economic ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, saying the two countries’ longstanding friendship offered considerable potential for a stronger economic partnership.

Addressing a reception at the British High Commission in Islamabad to mark the birthday of King Charles III, Shehbaz congratulated the British monarch and members of the royal family, describing the king’s life as one marked by an unwavering commitment to public service.

He said Pakistan and the UK enjoyed longstanding and friendly relations, with significant opportunities to expand bilateral trade and cooperation.

“The deep friendship between Pakistan and the United Kingdom also calls for a strong economic partnership,” he said, adding that around 1.7 million British citizens of Pakistani origin served as a strong bridge between the two countries.

Shehbaz said bilateral trade had reached approximately £5.5 billion, while the resumption of direct air links after a six-year gap would further strengthen people-to-people and business connections.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had resumed flights from Islamabad and Lahore to London’s Heathrow Airport, he said.

The prime minister also referred to cricket as another link between the two countries, saying Pakistan and England competed fiercely on the field but maintained friendly relations off it.

He recalled the recent match between the two sides in Lahore, highlighting a record-breaking last-wicket partnership between Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf that changed the course of the game.

Shehbaz also recalled the historical and intellectual connections of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and poet-philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal with Britain.

On regional and international developments, the prime minister stressed the need to prioritise dialogue over confrontation.

He said Pakistan had played a constructive role in facilitating talks between the United States and Iran and would continue its diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability.

Shehbaz also appreciated Britain’s support for Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives aimed at maintaining regional peace.

The prime minister praised outgoing British High Commissioner Jane Marriott for her contribution to strengthening economic and diplomatic relations between Islamabad and London, describing her as a trusted bridge between the two countries. He also wished her well for the future.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, in her address, said the prime minister’s and deputy prime minister’s participation in the reception reflected the strength of bilateral relations.

She thanked the Pakistani leadership for its efforts to strengthen the partnership and said she had been touched by the hospitality and generosity of the Pakistani people.

“Every city in Pakistan has its own beauty and flavour,” she said.

Marriott said the two countries shared deep connections through their people, businesses and successive generations, adding that Pakistan was Britain’s third-largest bilateral trading partner.

She said both countries wanted to turn their existing trade relationship into further opportunities and successes.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other officials attended the reception, where a birthday cake was also cut.