Visiting delegate: UK minister lauds pro-democracy efforts
International development secretary was on her third trip to Pakistan
ISLAMABAD:
The Government of Pakistan has taken a number of measures since the country’s first-ever democratic transition of power to improve economic stability, consolidate democracy and play a more constructive international role.
This was said by the United Kingdom (UK) Department for International Development Secretary of State Justine Greening on Wednesday as she concluded a two-day visit to Pakistan — her third since assuming office.
The government minister met with political leaders, including Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Zafar
Iqbal Jhagra, K-P Chief Minister Pervez Khattak, and Punjab Finance Minister Ayesha Ghaus Pasha during her trip, with discussions focusing on governance, public service delivery, and economic cooperation, according to a statement issued by the British High Commission.
Also on the agenda were Pakistan’s development and economic growth agenda, and Pakistan’s role in regional security and stability.
The secretary of state also met with Fiza Farhan, a member of the High-Level Panel of the UN Secretary-General on Women’s Economic Empowerment, as well as members of the Punjab Women’s Economic Empowerment Committee to discuss the role of women in inclusive and equitable growth.
“I was also encouraged by the progress I saw on protecting and empowering women and girls. But there is still much more to do, and this work is critical to the country’s long term prosperity,” she said.
She added that Pakistan is one of the UK’s most important partners and “we remain committed to supporting Pakistan’s transition into a stable democracy that is self-sufficient in tackling poverty, providing
basic services and opportunities for young men and women.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 10th, 2016.
The Government of Pakistan has taken a number of measures since the country’s first-ever democratic transition of power to improve economic stability, consolidate democracy and play a more constructive international role.
This was said by the United Kingdom (UK) Department for International Development Secretary of State Justine Greening on Wednesday as she concluded a two-day visit to Pakistan — her third since assuming office.
The government minister met with political leaders, including Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Zafar
Iqbal Jhagra, K-P Chief Minister Pervez Khattak, and Punjab Finance Minister Ayesha Ghaus Pasha during her trip, with discussions focusing on governance, public service delivery, and economic cooperation, according to a statement issued by the British High Commission.
Also on the agenda were Pakistan’s development and economic growth agenda, and Pakistan’s role in regional security and stability.
The secretary of state also met with Fiza Farhan, a member of the High-Level Panel of the UN Secretary-General on Women’s Economic Empowerment, as well as members of the Punjab Women’s Economic Empowerment Committee to discuss the role of women in inclusive and equitable growth.
“I was also encouraged by the progress I saw on protecting and empowering women and girls. But there is still much more to do, and this work is critical to the country’s long term prosperity,” she said.
She added that Pakistan is one of the UK’s most important partners and “we remain committed to supporting Pakistan’s transition into a stable democracy that is self-sufficient in tackling poverty, providing
basic services and opportunities for young men and women.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 10th, 2016.