LONDON: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and his British counterpart David Cameron on Thursday joined large number of cabinet ministers, Lords, members of Parliament and others at the launch of the Conservative Friends of Pakistan.

The launch during Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani's five-day visit to the United Kingdom aims at providing a political platform to the Pakistani community to play an even greater role.

The Conservative Party plans to target ethnic minority voters in the next election. The party has been advised by the party's co-chair, Baroness Warsi, that the party will not secure a majority without the support of these votes.

Prime Minister Gilani said the presence of David Cameron and senior leaders of the Conservative party reflects the importance it attaches to Pakistan and its community. He said the UK was home to around 1.3 million Pakistani community that was making a significant contribution towards the British politics, economy and the society as a whole.

He termed it a welcome initiative on part of the leadership of the Conservative party and said it will help to energise the Pakistani community to participate more actively in the British politics. He said it would also create better understanding between the two countries and its peoples.

Gilani said the year also marks 65th anniversary of the historical and cordial relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom and the launch of the forum makes it all the more meaningful and momentous.

The Prime Minister said that the office bearers of the group were distinguished personalities of high repute and stature and said that he was quite certain that the forum would continue to grow and flourish.

He wished the forum success in their future Endeavour’s and assured fullest support and cooperation of his government.

The Prime Minister also congratulated Baroness Warsi, her team and the office bearers of the Conservative Friends of Pakistan for the initiative.

Tory Chairman Baroness Warsi had earlier unveiled plans to coax female and Asian voters who share the party's views but who have customarily voted Labour.