ISLAMABAD (Special Correspondent) – Pakistan and the United Kingdom on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral ties, focusing on economic reforms and key development priorities to drive sustainable growth.

Key Points

• British High Commissioner Jane Marriott called on Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema in Islamabad.
• Marriott congratulated Cheema on his appointment as Chair of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank and IMF for 2027.
• Cheema highlighted the Prime Minister’s priorities for strengthening agriculture, IT, and key sectors.
• The minister appreciated the ongoing support of the UK’s FCDO for capacity building and reforms.

Bilateral Engagements and Economic Priorities

According to a press release issued by the Economic Affairs Ministry, British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott called on Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema to discuss areas of mutual interest and cooperation between the two countries. The High Commissioner congratulated the Minister on his appointment as Chair of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund for 2027.

On the occasion, the minister highlighted the Prime Minister’s priorities for strengthening agriculture, information technology and other key sectors. He said the government was pursuing sector-oriented reforms and policies to support economic growth. Ahad Cheema said the government was providing full support to development partners and multilateral investments, while working to further facilitate cooperation and investment.

FCDO Support and Ongoing Reform Efforts

The minister appreciated the support of the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for capacity building and reforms in Pakistan. He noted that the FCDO was working closely with the Prime Minister’s Office on the government’s ongoing reform efforts and appreciated its engagement in this process.

Jane Marriott said the FCDO will continue supporting Pakistan. She appreciated the government’s efforts to improve the economy and acknowledged the ongoing reforms across different sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who met with Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema?

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott called on Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema in Islamabad.

What new role was Ahad Cheema congratulated on?

The High Commissioner congratulated Ahad Cheema on his appointment as Chair of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund for 2027.