Senate Chairman Nayyar Hussain Bukhari emphasised the need for enhanced cooperation in various fields between Pakistan and United Kingdom (UK) in a meeting with his British counterpart Baroness D’Souza during a parliamentary visit to London.
He highlighted the political progress in Pakistan including the recent general elections which were a milestone in Pakistan’s political and parliamentary history.
The meeting was attended by Mike Gapes MP, Alan Haselhurst MP, Yasmin Qureshi MP, Earl of Sandwich John Montagu and Viscount John Slim. The Senate chairman was accompanied by Senate Secretary General Iftikharullah Babar and Deputy High Commissioner Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi.
The discussion also covered Pakistan’s role in the fight against militancy. Bukhari noted that Pakistan had so far lost over 47,000 lives and suffered an economic loss of $78 billion in its fight against militancy.
He underscored Pakistan’s commitment to combat the menace of terrorism and extremism. Discussing Pakistan-UK bilateral relations, the Senate chairman thanked the British government for its continued support to Pakistan in the education sector. Parliamentary exchanges between the two sides were also discussed.
Lord Speaker and British parliamentarians praised the success of Pakistan’s fair and transparent elections. They recognised the sacrifices of the people of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and reiterated British support to Pakistan, particularly in the education sector.
The Senate chairman accompanied by High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hasan, Iftikharullah Babar and Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi also held a meeting with Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Secretary General Dr William F Shija at the CPA Secretariat. Shija applauded Pakistan on successfully holding general elections.
He gave a briefing on the role of the Commonwealth, particularly the CPA, in building bridges amongst its 54 member states. The discussion also covered cooperation between CPA and the Pakistan Senate. Bukhari extended an invitation to Shija and the CPA executive committee to visit Pakistan.
