UK Minister for Faith, Communities and Resettlement, Lord Wajid Khan, concluded a three-day visit to Islamabad, reinforcing the United Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to interfaith harmony, minority rights, and community development in Pakistan.
During his visit, Lord Khan visited Faisal Mosque and St Joseph’s Cathedral, symbolising his emphasis on religious coexistence and the UK’s dedication to supporting diverse communities. “This visit has been a wonderful reminder of the diversity across Pakistan, and the white in the flag representing religious minorities,” Lord Khan remarked.
UK Supports Over 1,000 Community Forums in Pakistan
Lord Khan highlighted the UK’s role in establishing over 1,000 community-led village forums across Pakistan. These forums aim to empower local communities and deliver early interventions to resolve conflicts, protect vulnerable groups, and promote grassroots peacebuilding.
“These forums enable communities to support the most marginalised, helping to address tensions before they escalate,” Lord Khan stated.
High-Level Meetings with Pakistani Leadership
In a show of diplomatic solidarity, Lord Khan held meetings with key figures in Pakistan’s leadership, including:
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
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Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
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Minister for Law and Human Rights Azam Tarar
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Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf
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Punjab’s Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora
The discussions focused on bilateral cooperation in areas such as minority protection, climate resilience, irregular migration, and tackling serious crime.
Speaking at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention
Lord Khan also addressed the first Overseas Pakistanis Convention, an initiative by the Government of Pakistan that brought together delegates from nearly 60 countries. Reflecting on his own roots from Gujrat, Pakistan, Lord Khan spoke about the importance of the 1.6 million-strong Pakistani diaspora in the UK.
“Our close partnership is helping to keep both of our countries safe,” he noted, highlighting areas of collaboration including trade, migration management, and climate change.
A Growing UK-Pakistan Partnership
The UK currently has over 200 British businesses operating in Pakistan, underlining a robust economic relationship. Lord Khan’s visit reaffirms the UK’s strategic and cultural ties with Pakistan, particularly in the areas of community resilience and inclusive development.
