Islamabad, 15 October 2022 (TDI): The Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, received the Minister of State for South Asia and Commonwealth (FCDO), Tariq Ahmad, in Islamabad on Friday.
Remarks by Shehbaz Sharif
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the positive role played by the 1.6 million Pakistani diasporas in forming closer bonds between the peoples of both countries. Sharif also thanked Tariq Ahmad for the UK’s support towards flood relief efforts in Pakistan.
He highlighted that Pakistan remained one of the most affected countries by climate change, despite contributing less than one percent of global carbon emissions.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the continuing Indian human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Sharif stressed that a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute was critical to achieving long-term peace and stability in South Asia.
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Shehbaz Sharif also reiterated Pakistan’s principled support for the universal and consistent application of UN Charter principles.
These included non-use or threat of use of force, respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity of states. He also said that Pakistan continued to call for the immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine.
Moreover, he stressed the need for diplomacy and dialogue for an early, negotiated end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Sharif also hosted a luncheon for the British Minister of State and accompanying delegation.
British Minister’s Remarks
Tariq Ahmad expressed condolences on behalf of his government on the loss of human lives due to the recent floods in Pakistan.
He announced on Friday that the UK will provide an additional £10 million to Pakistan to support Pakistan’s flood relief efforts. With these £10 million, the government of the UK has now contributed £26.5 million to Pakistan for the relief efforts.
This additional £ 10 million aid will be spent on urgent life-saving needs. It aimed at supporting those who have been displaced by the flood and assisting those returning to their land.
