Islamabad: Pakistan and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their development partnership and accelerating economic reforms, following a meeting in Islamabad between Sam Waldock, Development Director at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Cheema. The meeting focused on bilateral cooperation, ongoing development initiatives, and Pakistan’s reform agenda.

According to Press Information Department, the discussions highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to reform its tariff policy and introduce comprehensive sector-specific policy reforms, including the mobile and industrial policies. These initiatives aim to enhance economic competitiveness and promote sustainable growth. Mr. Waldock expressed support for these reforms and reiterated the UK’s commitment to assisting Pakistan in its development priorities through continued collaboration in key areas.

Minister Cheema acknowledged the FCDO’s support for the Strategic Initiatives Unit, which strengthens policy implementation, and its assistance to the Governance Reforms Unit in advancing institutional reforms. He also detailed the current petroleum pricing mechanism’s role in curbing hoarding and improving market stability, emphasizing the government’s focus on economic stability.

The Minister underscored the government’s commitment to the approved development roadmap, with predictive analysis planned for new projects to enhance planning and resource utilization. Mr. Waldock commended Pakistan’s reform measures in the power and petroleum sectors, noting improvements in efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.

The meeting concluded with expressions of confidence in the ongoing collaboration between the two nations to achieve shared development objectives, with Minister Cheema expressing gratitude for the UK’s longstanding partnership and support for Pakistan’s reform agenda.