ISLAMABAD: Minister for Economic Affairs Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar on Sunday congratulated British-Pakistani businessman and philanthropist Aamer A. Sarfraz for his lifetime appointment as a member of the House of Lords.

Mr Sarfraz was appointed by Queen Elizabeth on United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s recommendation.

The minister, in his message, said that this would help enhance diplomatic, economic and trade ties between the UK and Pakistan. “Aamer Sarfraz also played his due role in building a bright image of Pakistan internationally,” he added.

Former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also hailed Mr Sarfraz’s appointment. He expressed the hope that Mr Sarfraz would make an effort towards improving relations between the UK and Pakistan in every sphere.

Leaders from other political parties including PPP Senator Saleem Mandiwala, Senator Dilawar Khan, Aurangzeb Khan, Sirajul Haq, Sajjad Hussain Turi, Walid Iqbal, Sitara Ayaz, Rubina Khalid, Mushahid Hussain Syed, Senator Mohsin Aziz, Senator Sardar Usman Khan Kakar, Afrasiab Khan Khattak, Senator Javed Abbasi, MNAs Nasir Khan Musazai, Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, Sadaqat Ali Khan, Ali Khan Jadoon, Saleh Mohammad Khan and former NA deputy speaker Murtaza Javed Abbasi also commended Mr Sarfraz’s appointment.

In his message, Mr Sarfraz said: “I am very grateful to Prime Minister Boris Johnson for giving me the opportunity to serve in the House of Lords. I look forward to supporting the prime minister’s agenda and vision.”

Mr Sarfraz, 38, grew up in Islamabad and went to the UK in 2002. He received his education from Boston University and the London School of Economics.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2020