Pakistan attaches high value to relations with UK: Prime Minister

Celina Ali

Islamabad: A British delegation led by Sir Michael Barber called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said Pakistan and the United Kingdom enjoy historic bilateral relations that span decades and are growing stronger with time. He said Pakistan attaches high value to its relations with the United Kingdom.

Shehbaz Sharif said the United Kingdom is an important partner and extending cooperation to Pakistan in various sectors. He expressed the resolve to further strengthen people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

The Prime Minister apprised the delegation of government’s steps for economic revival. He said state-owned enterprises are being privatized, whereas measures are being taken for economic digitization, including the Federal Board of Revenue. He said the government is pursuing a policy of downsizing and abolishing the dysfunctional institutions to reduce state expenditure. He said measures are being taken to enhance exports and expand the tax base.

Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan has immense potential for agricultural and IT exports.

Sir Michael Barber appreciated the government’s economic recovery plan. He expressed the confidence that the Pakistan will certainly be successful in overcoming its difficulties and problems under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said the United Kingdom will extend full cooperation to Pakistan in every sector. He termed Pakistan’s progress as UK’s progress.