Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan–Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) held a significant meeting in Islamabad on Friday, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, including digital innovation, agriculture, renewable energy, education, and health.
The meeting, convened by MNA Munaza Hassan, was attended by Ambassador of Ireland to Pakistan H.E. Mary O’Neill and Deputy Head of Mission Declan Johnston, along with members of the PFG, including MNA Sehar Kamran, Senator Nuzhat Sadiq, Barrister Danyal Chaudhary, MNA Zeb Jaffar, MNA Huma Akhtar Chughtai, MNA Naveed Aamir, and Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro.
In her welcoming remarks, MNA Munaza Hassan described the engagement as “forward-looking and constructive,” expressing appreciation for the historic opening of Ireland’s Embassy in Islamabad in 2024 — a milestone that marks Ireland’s 100th overseas mission and a major step in advancing bilateral relations.
She proposed holding a virtual introductory meeting with the counterpart PFG in the Irish Parliament as part of efforts to establish regular exchanges between the two legislatures. She also called for greater collaboration on climate policy, youth and sports diplomacy, women’s empowerment, and gender-responsive legislation, while emphasizing new opportunities in digital skills development, AI, cybersecurity, and fintech.
Highlighting Ireland’s emergence as a leading European IT and innovation hub, Munaza Hassan noted that Pakistan looked forward to joint initiatives in digital workforce development and technology exchange.
The Group expressed deep appreciation for Ireland’s recent formal recognition of the State of Palestine, terming it a principled decision valued by Pakistan and widely acknowledged by the international community.
Ambassador O’Neill, in her remarks, praised the Pakistani diaspora in Ireland for their contributions in education, healthcare, and IT, citing Mr. Ammar Ali, Dublin’s first Pakistani-origin councillor and incoming Deputy Mayor, as an example of the community’s growing leadership role.
She reaffirmed Ireland’s resolve to deepen parliamentary cooperation and expand people-to-people linkages through collaboration in sports, education, health, IT, and sustainable development.
Ambassador O’Neill also commended the historical role of Irish educators and missionaries, particularly the nuns of the Convent of Jesus and Mary, whose service has left a lasting legacy in Pakistan’s education and social sectors.
Speaking on the occasion, MNA Sehar Kamran said it was “a pleasure to participate in a forward-looking dialogue that highlights our shared vision for inclusive development and sustainable progress.” She emphasized that both countries were entering a new phase of partnership built on mutual respect and shared priorities.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Pakistan–Ireland relations through continued parliamentary engagement, sectoral cooperation, and stronger people-to-people ties.
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