Pakistan, UK vow closer cooperation on reforms, capacity building

October 21, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and the United Kingdom have resolved to maintain close engagement and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including capacity building and reforms, with London pledging continued support for Islamabad’s development priorities.

The understanding emerged when British High Commissioner Jane Marriott called on Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema to discuss bilateral cooperation.

Jane Marriott congratulated Ahad Cheema on his appointment as Chair of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for 2027, and he thanked her for the good wishes.

Ahad Cheema briefed the High Commissioner on the Prime Minister’s priorities for strengthening agriculture, information technology and other key sectors, said a press release issued.

He said the government is pursuing sector-focused reforms and policies to support economic growth, and is extending full backing to development partners and multilateral investments while working to further ease cooperation and investment.

The minister also welcomed the support of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for capacity building and reforms in Pakistan.

He noted that the FCDO is working closely with the Prime Minister’s Office on the government’s ongoing reform drive and appreciated its involvement.

Jane Marriott said the FCDO will continue to back the Government of Pakistan. She welcomed its efforts to improve the economy and acknowledged the reforms under way across different sectors.

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