PM pushes for deeper economic ties with UK

On behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, he extended congratulations to the King, Queen Camilla and the royal family, noting the King's commitment to public service.PM Sharif said he had just returned from COP31 in Antalya, where he was reminded that many ideas central to the global climate agenda had been championed by the King decades ago.

He added that Pakistan was proud to be a member of the Commonwealth, which the King heads.The prime minister said bilateral trade had reached approximately £5.5 billion and that both sides should aim higher.

With renewed macroeconomic stability, he said, Pakistan offered opportunities in technology, renewable energy, agriculture, minerals and textiles.He noted that Pakistan International Airlines had resumed direct flights from Islamabad and Lahore to Heathrow since March, restoring a link after six years.

He described the 1.7 million British citizens of Pakistani heritage as a bridge between the two countries and the living embodiment of the relationship's strength.The PM also said Pakistan was emerging as an important destination for UK transnational education, and recalled the historical and intellectual links of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal with Britain.In her opening remarks, British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott welcomed the prime minister, Deputy Prime….

She said this was her fourth and last King's birthday reception as High Commissioner.She said the UK was Pakistan's third largest bilateral trading partner, with trade reaching £6 billion over the past year.

Around 78 per cent of Pakistan's exports to the UK are clothing and textiles, she said, including thread used to make Kevlar for protective equipment.

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