Pakistan, UK review bilateral cooperation in security, trade and economic reform

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday held talks with UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell at the Prime Minister House, where both sides discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in security, trade, investment and development.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and Secretary National Security Division Sajid Baloch.

The UK National Security Adviser was briefed on Pakistan’s regional and international engagements, where he appreciated Islamabad’s constructive role in promoting dialogue and de-escalation in regional affairs.

He also welcomed Pakistan’s economic reform efforts and expressed London’s interest in expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, including security, trade, investment and development.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the United Kingdom as a key longstanding strategic partner and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining robust and forward-looking engagement with London.

He also extended good wishes to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and recalled their recent telephone conversation, during which both leaders had expressed the desire to further deepen bilateral relations.

The statement said Pakistan and the United Kingdom continue to share long-standing ties rooted in cooperation across trade, education, security and people-to-people linkages.