ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi received Chair of House of Commons Select Committee for Foreign Affairs MP Tom Tugendhat, Chair of House of Commons Select Committee for Defence MP Tobias Ellwood, and MPs Henry Smith and Steve Baker at the Pakistan High Commission in London. In-depth discussions focused on the regional situation, bilateral relations and other issues of mutual interest.

The Foreign Minister conveyed Pakistan’s perspective on the unfolding developments in Afghanistan, and the need for the international community to stay engaged, while averting a humanitarian crisis and economic collapse in that country. He also briefed the Parliamentarians of the dire humanitarian and human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), and shared with them, the Dossier documenting more than 3,000 war crimes perpetrated by the Indian occupation forces in IIOJK. Foreign Minister Qureshi observed that Pakistan and the UK had a long-standing relationship.

He underscored the need for effective utilization of the 1.6 million strong British Pakistani diaspora community to further strengthen Pakistan-UK linkages, promote understanding and deepen economic engagement. He also stressed the need for greater cooperation in the defence and security spheres. Foreign Minister Qureshi is on an official visit to the UK. In addition to interacting with eminent Pakistanis, and the Kashmiri leadership, he will hold broad-based discussions with his British counterpart, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss. He will also be interacting with the media.