Pakistan and UK Enter New Phase of Economic and Strategic Cooperation

Pakistan and the United Kingdom have agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in security, trade, investment, and development, marking what officials described as a new era of economic and strategic partnership between the two countries.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held an important meeting with the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, where both sides discussed enhancing collaboration across multiple sectors.

The meeting focused on regional security, economic cooperation, investment opportunities, and development initiatives. Britain also expressed strong interest in supporting Pakistan’s reform agenda and increasing cooperation in various fields.

Officials said Pakistan is actively strengthening its diplomatic, economic, and strategic partnerships globally, while both Islamabad and London reaffirmed their commitment to deepening long-term bilateral relations.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott stated that economic relations between the two countries remain strong, adding that the United Kingdom is Pakistan’s most significant economic partner in Europe.

She noted that more than 200 British companies are currently operating in Pakistan, with total British investment exceeding Rs910 billion. Jane Marriott further said the UK remains Pakistan’s third-largest export destination, reflecting growing confidence of British businesses in Pakistan’s economy.

According to officials, bilateral trade between Pakistan and the United Kingdom surpassed $6 billion over the past year, reaching its highest level to date.