Mr. Muhammad Numan, MNA, convened the first briefing of the Pakistan–Serbia Parliamentary Friendship Group at Parliament House, Islamabad, with Members including Dr. Shahida Rehmani, Mr. Naveed Aamir Jeeva, Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam and Ms. Samina Khalid Ghurki in attendance. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce took part, while H.E. Syed Faraz Hussain Zaidi, Ambassador of Pakistan to Serbia, joined the session virtually.
The Convener underlined the need to deepen parliamentary engagement and noted that the establishment and reconstitution of the Parliamentary Friendship Group presents a timely opportunity to advance Pakistan Serbia relations and broaden cooperation between the two countries.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed Members on the historical trajectory and current status of ties, stressing that Pakistan and Serbia maintain friendly relations and that diplomatic engagement continues to evolve in constructive ways.
Representatives from the Ministry of Commerce outlined bilateral trade dynamics, observing that trade volumes remain modest but contain substantial room for expansion. The briefing highlighted ongoing efforts toward the opening of a Serbian diplomatic mission in Islamabad, a development expected to facilitate business links and people-to-people exchanges.
Ambassador Syed Faraz Hussain Zaidi shared observations on Serbia’s evolving political and economic landscape and identified practical areas for deeper cooperation, including trade, education, tourism and parliamentary exchanges that can reinforce mutual interests.
Members emphasised strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and increasing institutional interaction to unlock the potential of Pakistan Serbia relations. They stressed the importance of facilitating visa processes, boosting academic and cultural contacts, enhancing economic exchange and ensuring improved support mechanisms for Pakistani citizens travelling or working abroad.
In closing, the Convener expressed hope that the Parliamentary Friendship Group will play an active role in strengthening parliamentary engagement and promoting greater cooperation across multiple sectors to translate diplomatic goodwill into tangible results.
