Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, security, defence, culture and people-to-people contacts.

Talking to British Minister of State for South Asia and Commonwealth (FCDO) Lord Tariq Ahmad, who called on him here, the PM expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of trade and investment cooperation between the two countries, noting that bilateral trade had reached £3.1 billion.

He made special reference to the positive role played by the 1.6 million Pakistanis in forging closer bonds between the peoples of both countries, a press release issued by the PM Media Wing here said.

Lord Ahmad expressed condolences on behalf of His Majesty’s Government on the loss of human lives due to the recent floods in Pakistan. The Prime Minister thanked him for the United Kingdom’s support towards flood relief efforts in Pakistan.

He highlighted that Pakistan, despite contributing less than 1 per cent of global carbon emissions, remains one of the most climate change-hit countries. Assuring the Prime Minister of UK assistance in relief and rehabilitation in Pakistan, Lord Ahmad announced an additional £10 million in relief assistance for Pakistan, bringing the total quantum of UK flood-related assistance to £26.5 million.

He highlighted the Indian human rights violations in Kashmir. He stressed a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people and UN Security Council resolutions, was critical to achieving long-term peace and stability in South Asia.  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also hosted a luncheon for the British Minister of State and the delegation.