United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Jonathan Powell on Wednesday conveyed the appreciation of the British government for Pakistan’s “constructive role in regional diplomacy” to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Powell called on the premier at the Prime Minister’s House.

“Powell conveyed the appreciation of His Majesty’s Government for Pakistan’s constructive role in regional diplomacy, including its ongoing efforts to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation in the broader region,” the statement said.

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining “robust and forward-looking engagement” with the UK, which he described as a longstanding strategic partner.

While conveying his best wishes to his British counterpart, Sir Keir Starmer, the prime minister recalled the warm and cordial telephone conversation between the two leaders last month, during which they expressed a shared desire to further strengthen Pakistan-UK ties.

The British NSA also congratulated the prime minister on the government’s economic reform efforts and expressed Britain’s interest in further expanding bilateral cooperation in the areas of security, trade, investment, and development.

MQM delegation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday met a delegation of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) led by Federal Minister for Education and MQM Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and discussed the upcoming federal budget, public welfare projects in Sindh and Karachi, and the overall political situation in the country.

The delegation included MQM leaders Farooq Sattar, Members of the National Assembly Syed Amin Ul Haque and Javed Hanif.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the MQM delegation presented its proposals regarding the forthcoming federal budget to the prime minister.

The two sides also held detailed discussions on public welfare and development projects being carried out by the federal government in Sindh, particularly Karachi.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said MQM was an important ally of the federal government and had supported the government’s every initiative aimed at public welfare.

The prime minister directed the relevant authorities to examine MQM’s budget proposals and formulate a practical and comprehensive strategy in this regard.

The meeting also discussed the prevailing political situation in the country.