In a rare and historic diplomatic engagement, Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, addressed a prestigious defence and security institution in London—an honour traditionally reserved exclusively for Heads of Government, Prime Ministers, and senior military leadership. Notably, this marks the first time that a serving Federal Minister from Pakistan was invited to address such a high-level forum, underscoring Pakistan’s rising global stature and diplomatic relevance.
The distinguished forum, held at the globally renowned venue in Pall Mall, brought together an influential audience comprising senior diplomats, high commissioners, British parliamentarians, officials from the UK Foreign Office, defence experts, and leaders from the legal, economic, and medical sectors.
In his keynote address, the Minister highlighted Pakistan’s growing role at the intersection of defence and economic diplomacy, emphasizing the country’s strategic importance as a gateway connecting the West to the East and the East to the West. He underlined Pakistan’s unique geo-strategic location and its increasing significance in global trade, connectivity, and security frameworks.
Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh also shed light on Pakistan’s increasing investment potential, particularly in key sectors such as Information Technology, agriculture, and industrial development, noting that the Government of Pakistan is committed to facilitating international investors through progressive reforms and investor-friendly policies.
Referring to the deep-rooted and historic ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, the Minister emphasized the need to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and defence domains. He noted that both countries share a long-standing relationship built on mutual respect, shared values, and enduring partnerships.
A significant portion of the Minister’s address focused on Pakistan’s constructive role in international peace efforts. He paid tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his visionary leadership and pivotal role in promoting dialogue and de-escalation at the global level. The Minister highlighted Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating diplomatic engagement aimed at reducing tensions between major global actors, stressing that peace and stability remain essential for global economic prosperity.
The Minister further acknowledged the strong leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, noting that Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic outreach has been widely appreciated by the international community.
The audience responded with rapturous applause, recognizing Pakistan’s constructive contributions to global peace and stability. The address received strong endorsement from key participants, including senior British officials and policy leaders, who commended Pakistan’s efforts in promoting dialogue and preventing conflict escalation.
The forum concluded with an overwhelmingly positive response, with participants expressing appreciation for Pakistan’s leadership and reaffirming the importance of continued engagement in addressing global security and economic challenges.
The Federal Minister’s visit to the United Kingdom also coincides with his participation in the Commonwealth Business and Trade activities, where he continues to promote Pakistan as a promising destination for international investment.
The Board of Investment remains committed to advancing Pakistan’s global economic outreach and strengthening its position as a reliable partner in both economic and strategic domains.
