On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the Pakistan–Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group met with a visiting Finnish parliamentary delegation at Parliament House in Islamabad to discuss ways to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Convener Ms. Sharmila Faruqui, MNA, welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding friendly relations with Finland, noting the valuable contribution of a Pakistani diaspora of over 9,000 people in Finland. She also referenced Finland’s recent decision on its embassy in Islamabad and expressed hope for future reconsideration in view of the countries’ cordial ties.
The Finnish delegation was led by Mr. Atte Kaleva, MP, and included Mr. Timo Harakka, MP. Mr. Kaleva expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to the visitors and underlined Finland’s interest in constructive engagement with Pakistan, particularly in areas of mutual benefit. He acknowledged the positive role of the Pakistani community in Finland.
Mr. Harakka outlined the broader European security context and its influence on Finland’s defence priorities while highlighting Finland’s strengths in renewable and clean energy, rare earth minerals and sustainable extraction technologies. Both parliamentarians stressed the importance of accurate, balanced representation of Pakistan in European discourse and showed openness to collaboration in education, research and environmental initiatives.
Members of the Pakistan Finland parliamentary group emphasised parliamentary diplomacy as a tool to build trust, counter misperceptions and promote a fact-based understanding of Pakistan’s progress. They identified education, climate resilience, circular economy, mining and trade as priority areas for enhanced cooperation and welcomed Finland’s expertise in renewable energy and environmental standards.
Participants discussed opportunities for academic mobility, technical education, nursing and industry partnerships, and highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism as well as its principled stance on longstanding regional issues, including Kashmir. Appreciation was voiced for Finland’s engagement with the Pakistani diaspora and interest from private sector stakeholders in mining and nursing sectors.
The meeting reaffirmed the role of sustained parliamentary engagement in strengthening institutional linkages and advancing long-term cooperation on shared priorities such as climate diplomacy and sustainable development. The session underlined the need for stronger trade and investment ties alongside people-to-people exchanges.
Those present included members of the Pakistan–Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group Mr. Rana Qasim Noon, Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig, Mr. Danyal Chaudhary, Mr. Khursheed Ahmed Junejo, Ms. Aasia Ishaque Siddiqui, Mr. Noor Alam Khan, Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Ms. Asia Naz Tanoli and Ms. Farah Naz. The Honorary Consul of Finland in Pakistan, Mr. Asad Ansari, and Mr. Shahzad Sabir, chairman of the Pakistan–Finland Business Council, also attended, signalling both parliamentary and commercial interest in strengthening Pakistan Finland ties.
