UK considers Pakistan a close friend, says peer

NA speaker draws Lord Bruce’s attention to Indian atrocities against Kashmiris

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has said that Pakistan values its relations with the United Kingdom and wants to strengthen the existing relations between the two countries through enhanced economic cooperation and parliamentary ties.

The speaker expressed these views while talking to UK’s House of Lords member Lord Malcolm Gray Bruce, who in turn said the UK considers Pakistan one of its close friend and an important trading partner.

The speaker said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its strategic partnership with the UK and both the countries have commonalities of views on regional and global issues. He underscored the need for regular interaction between the political leadership, parliamentarians and people of both the countries that would strengthen the existing bilateral relations.



Sadiq also urged the UK to take notice of Indian atrocities against innocent citizens in Kashmir. He said Pakistan is committed to UN resolutions for self-determination of the Kashmiri people and wants to settle its dispute with discussion.

He also appreciated the UK’s assistance to Pakistan in strengthening legislative capacity of parliament and efforts undertaken to promote an inclusive democracy in Pakistan.

Lord Bruce appreciated the remarks of the NA speaker and said that UK considers Pakistan one of its close friend and an important trading partner. He said the UK would expand the scope of its assistance plan and assist Pakistan in diverse fields. He assured the speaker of maximum assistance for building legislative capacity of parliamentarians and staff.

He valued the efforts made by the parliamentarians regarding the electoral reforms for free, fair and transparent election in Pakistan for future.

While discussing the role of the Parliamentary Friendship Group, Lord Bruce said that friendship groups in both parliaments could play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations.