H.E Dr Christian Turner, British High Commissioner to Pakistan called on Federal Minister Mr. Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar in his office today this afternoon.
Federal Minister acknowledged the role of United Kingdom as one of the largest development partners of Pakistan. The Minister also appreciated DFID’s assistance of £ 2.6 million (US $ 3.224 M) to Pakistan for COVID-19 response through World Health Organization (WHO) to diagnose and treat cases, provide logistical support, and help communities understanding them how to protect themselves better; alongside grant assistance for the Education sector programs of KP & Punjab, poverty alleviation through Pakistan National Cash Transfer Programme- BISP and Skill Development Programmes in various parts of the country.
During the meeting, Honorable Minister also discussed the possibility of scaling up the development assistance through DFID by aligning its financial and technical cooperation in Ehsaas Programme to reduce inequality, invest in people and lift lagging districts, low cost housing and strengthening SMEs amid the Pandemic.
British High Commissioner lauded the efforts of the Government of Pakistan to combat the Pandemic and steering the economy to support the financially vulnerable segment of country in wake of COVID 19. He said that Pakistan and UK enjoyed historic and deeply rooted bond which would be enhanced through socioeconomic cooperation in future.
In conclusion, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and British High Commissioner expressed their strong commitment to further the cooperation for COVID 19 related emergency activities.
