����ֱ��

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday praised overseas Pakistanis in the United Kingdom for strengthening bilateral ties as he addressed an event at the British High Commission marking King Charles III’s 77th birthday.

Pakistan, a former British colony that gained independence in 1947, is a member of the Commonwealth and has maintained close links with the UK. The two countries witnessed improved connectivity after Britain lifted its safety ban on Pakistan International Airlines, allowing the carrier’s first flight to Manchester in five years.

The UK also introduced eVisas for students and workers, easing travel, while bilateral trade reached £5.5 billion in 2025, crossing the £5 billion mark for the first time.

British authorities also supported Pakistan’s flood recovery efforts, and the UK-Pakistan Trade Dialogue, a new institutional framework to expand economic cooperation, was launched in July.

“We ... celebrate the enduring friendship between Pakistan and United Kingdom,” the prime minister said, according to state-run Associated Press of Pakistan news agency. “About two million British citizens of Pakistani heritage add great value to this relationship and are playing a very productive role in all walks of life in the United Kingdom.”

“Thousands of young Pakistanis have also benefited from the programs run by the British Council in Pakistan while thousands more have studied in British colleges and universities,” he added.

Sharif praised King Charles for what he called an “exemplary life of public service” and said the monarch’s “infinite energy” and commitment to global causes inspired people across the Commonwealth. He recalled attending the coronation ceremony two years ago and said he received a warm telephone call from the King last September.

The prime minister thanked the UK for its condolences over recent militant attacks in Islamabad and other parts of Pakistan, calling “terrorism a grave threat to global peace and stability.”

Pakistan, he said, remained determined to confront it “in all its forms and manifestations.”

Sharif also credited British High Commissioner Jane Marriott for helping revive PIA flights to the UK amid growing cooperation.

“Now thousands of passengers fly to Manchester from Pakistan and soon there will be flights to London,” he added.

In a statement released by the high commission, Marriott said the event highlighted the diversity of the United Kingdom’s four nations — England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales — and their “vital part” in the partnership with Pakistan.

The reception featured bagpipers from Pakistan’s military and a medley of British music performed by singer Maria Unera.

Sharif later joined Marriott in cutting the birthday cake. Ministers, lawmakers and guests from across public life attended the ceremony.