ISLAMABAD: Reaffirmed his country’s commitment to its longstanding ties with Pakistan, UK Minister and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Himesh Falconer has announced £108 million aid package to tackle climate change induced challenges in Pakistan.

The announcement was made by the UK minister during a meeting with National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq with members of the delegation comprising British parliamentarians, says a press release here on Tuesday.

The UK minister pledged continued support from his country for Pakistan in strengthening its democratic institutions and fostering economic and social cooperation.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott also accompanied the delegation.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sadiq underscored Pakistan’s minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions while being one of the most affected countries by climate change. He stressed the need for greater international collaboration to address this pressing challenge.

The speaker also called for enhancing economic cooperation with the UK and emphasised that close interaction and cooperation between the parliaments of both the countries could play a pivotal role in bolstering bilateral relations.

Chief whips of various political parties, including Aamir Dogar of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), were also present in the meeting.

The speaker stressed that Pakistan’s parliament represented all political parties and the present parliament had active opposition which was playing a constructive role on matters of national importance. He affirmed his impartiality as the speaker, ensuring a balanced approach in managing parliamentary proceedings.

Mr Sadiq said Pakistan was committed to foster regional peace and stability in the region. He said Pakistan had rendered immense sacrifices in global war on terror and it had always strived for regional peace.

The speaker also highlighted initiatives of the Parliament, namely the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Secretariat established in 2014, which actively works toward achieving sustainable development goals in Pakistan. Additionally, he mentioned the establishment of parliamentary caucuses to protect the rights of women and children, playing a vital role in addressing discrimination against women and promoting gender-equality.

Meeting with Australian HC

Speaker National Assembly Pakistan Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also met Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Neil Hawkins.

Both agreed to strengthen mutual relations in different sectors between their countries.

Mr Sadiq expressed Pakistan’s strong commitment to fostering cordial and friendly relations with Australia. He highlighted the importance of enhancing parliamentary diplomacy as a means of expanding bilateral ties between the two nations.

He said: “Pakistan places great importance on its cordial and friendly relations with Australia,” and emphasized that parliamentary diplomacy could play a pivotal role in deepening these ties.

The speaker while underscoring the significance of parliamentary exchanges in strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation between both the countries, stated that it will also provide valuable opportunities for parliamentarians to learn from each other’s experiences.

He acknowledged the vital role played by the Pakistan-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group in the National Assembly. This parliamentary group, he stated, has been instrumental in enhancing communication and collaboration between the two countries.

He emphasised that the group’s ongoing efforts are essential in promoting bilateral contacts and fostering stronger ties between the two nations.

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2024