Islamabad, Jan 24 (APP): Dr. Christian Turner, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, in a meeting with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting, Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan informed that United Kingdom has announced to revise its travel advisory for Pakistan, paving the way for enhanced travel and connectivity between the two countries. “I have been to the UNESCO sites and amazed to see the tourism potential of Pakistan”, the High Commissioner said. He said credit goes to the Government of Pakistan under leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan for ensuring better security conditions in the country.
SAPM lauded the decision of British Government and termed it vital to reinforce bilateral ties and to boost tourism in Pakistan. She said that Pakistan is now open to the world, with peaceful and welcoming environment. She said that Pakistan highly values its relations with UK which are based on historical linkages and shared perceptions on a broad range of regional and international issues.
Dr. Firdous Aashiq Awan emphasized the need for sustained engagement with United Kingdom in the fields of information and media exchanges. She also sought UK’s assistance in capacity building and training of media persons in general and media officials of PTV and PBC besides the advancement of technology in these organizations.
She said that present democratic Government believes in freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan and would continue to facilitate the growth of free and responsible media in the country. She said that government is focusing on women empowerment,social and youth development.
Dr. Firdous Aashiq Awan also apprised the High Commissioner about grave human rights violations committed by Indian Security Forces in IOJ&K. She said that British Government, being an influential member of international community should play its role for the just solution of Jammu and Kashmir issue in accordance with UN resolutions and aspirations of the people of IOJ&K.
The British High Commissioner agreed with SAPM’s proposal to engage media as an effective tool to promote bilateral relations between UK and Pakistan. He said that operation of 25 direct flights from Pakistan to United Kingdom is manifestation of deep relations between the two countries. The High Commissioner also dilated on the role of British council and DFID in education, health and social sectors of Pakistan.
SAPM appreciated DFID’s role in furthering health and social sectors of Pakistan.
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Akbar Durrani, Secretary I&B, and other senior officials.
Source: VNS, Islamabad
