PM Sharif Affirms Pakistan’s Readiness for Dialogue with India

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif restated Pakistan’s willingness to engage in a “constructive dialogue” with India regarding all unresolved matters during a meeting held on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister made these comments while in discussion with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott during her visit to Islamabad.

During the session, the Prime Minister conveyed his best regards to King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressing his anticipation for a meeting with UK leadership later this year.

PM Shehbaz also acknowledged the UK government’s recent determination to permit PIA flights to operate to and from the UK. He mentioned that this action would greatly ease the difficulties encountered by the British Pakistani community and enhance interactions between the people of both nations.

The ban had been put in place in July 2020 by aviation authorities in the UK and Europe following the pilot license controversy.

Even with this significant advancement, Pakistani airlines must still acquire individual operating licenses from the UK Civil Aviation Authority before flight operations can begin.

Concerning Pakistan-UK relations, the Prime Minister conveyed his satisfaction with the promising advancements in bilateral cooperation. He believes the recent trade discussions between the two nations will offer mutually beneficial prospects.

He further noted that Pakistan is also collaborating closely with the UK within the UN Security Council, where Pakistan presently holds the rotating Presidency.

The discussion also encompassed the regional situation in South Asia and the Middle East. The Prime Minister voiced his gratitude for the UK’s contribution to de-escalating tensions during the standoff between Pakistan and India.

The UK High Commissioner conveyed her appreciation to the Prime Minister for the meeting and briefed him on her recent trip to London, where she participated in extensive conversations about enhancing bilateral relations between Pakistan and the UK.

She recognized the government’s economic achievements over the past year and a half, attributing them to the vision and leadership of PM Shehbaz, which has resulted in considerable improvements across key macroeconomic indicators.

She also shared the UK’s perspective on regional developments in South Asia and the Middle East with the Prime Minister.