The Pakistan Switzerland Parliamentary Friendship Group met for its inaugural briefing at Parliament House Islamabad under the convenership of Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, MNA and Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training and National Heritage and Culture.
Pakistan’s Ambassador in Bern together with representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Commerce briefed members on the state of Pakistan Switzerland relations, highlighting opportunities for enhanced parliamentary cooperation, trade and investment, cultural and academic linkages and tourism collaboration.
It was noted that Switzerland remains the sixth largest investor in Pakistan and that major companies such as Nestlé, Roche and Novartis operate in the country, a fact members said should prompt stronger business to business links and targeted economic partnerships.
Ms. Farah Naz Akbar emphasized the role of parliamentary diplomacy, economic partnerships and vocational and educational cooperation in deepening ties, and she instructed Pakistan’s Mission in Switzerland to pursue the creation of a counterpart friendship group within the Swiss Parliament to promote sustained legislative engagement.
Members urged proactive measures to expand parliamentary cooperation and boost trade and investment channels, and they recognised the Pakistani diaspora as an important contributor to bilateral relations. The Group reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Pakistan Switzerland ties through broader economic collaboration and greater people to people exchanges.
The session was attended by Mr. Rana Mubashir Iqbal Federal Minister for Public Affairs Unit, Ms. Huma Akhtar Chughtai, Syed Shah Ahad Ali Shah, Ms. Neelam and Ms. Gulnaz Shahzadi.
