PM pushes for deeper economic ties with UK

LAHORE BUREAU —Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said Pakistan and the UK share a friendship that deserves an equally ambitious economic partnership, as the bilateral ties between the two friendly nations are anchored in shared history, trade and peace. The prime minister addressed a reception at the British High Commission marking the 78th birthday of King Charles III.

The prime minister said he had adjusted his travel plans to attend the event, citing his long association with the UK and his warm ties with the King. On behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, he extended congratulations to the King, Queen Camilla and the royal family, noting the King's commitment to public service.

PM Sharif said he had just returned from COP31 in Antalya, where he was reminded that many ideas central to the global climate agenda had been championed by the King decades ago. He added that Pakistan was proud to be a member of the Commonwealth, which the King heads. The prime minister said bilateral trade had reached approximately £5.5 billion and that both sides should aim higher.

With renewed macroeconomic stability, he said, Pakistan offered opportunities in technology, renewable energy, agriculture, minerals and textiles. He noted that Pakistan International Airlines had resumed direct flights from Islamabad and Lahore to Heathrow since March, restoring a link after six years.

He described the 1.7 million British citizens of Pakistani heritage as a bridge between the two countries and the living embodiment of the relationship's strength. The PM also said Pakistan was emerging as an important destination for UK transnational education, and recalled the historical and intellectual links of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal with Britain.

In her opening remarks, British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott welcomed the prime minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other ministers, saying their presence reflected the strength of the UK-Pakistan relationship. She said this was her fourth and last King's birthday reception as High Commissioner.

She said the UK was Pakistan's third largest bilateral trading partner, with trade reaching £6 billion over the past year. Around 78 per cent of Pakistan's exports to the UK are clothing and textiles, she said, including thread used to make Kevlar for protective equipment.