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UK’s Secretary of State for International Development makes third Pakistan visit

Justine Greening, Secretary of State for the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) concluded a two-day visit to Pakistan.

UK’s Secretary of State for International Development makes third Pakistan visit

Justine Greening, Secretary of State for the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) with Thomas Drew CMG, British High Commissioner during their visit to Lahore.

The Secretary of State met with political leaders, including Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz, KPK Governor Zafar Iqbal Jhagra, KPK Chief Minister Pervez Khattak and the Punjab Finance Minister Ayesha Ghaus Pasha.

The Secretary of State’s discussions focused on looking at governance, public service delivery and economic cooperation. Discussions focused on Pakistan’s Development and economic growth agenda, and Pakistan’s role in regional security and stability.

The Secretary of State met with Fiza Farhan, a member of the High-Level Panel of the UN Secretary-General on Women’s Economic Empowerment, as well as members of the Punjab Women’s Economic Empowerment Committee to discuss the role of women in inclusive and equitable growth.

Justine Greening, Secretary of State for the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) said:

Pakistan is one of the UK’s most important partners and we remain committed to supporting Pakistan’s transition into a stable democracy that is self-sufficient in tackling poverty, providing basic services and opportunities for young men and women.

The Government of Pakistan has taken a number of measures since the country’s first-ever democratic transition of power to improve economic stability, consolidate democracy and play a more constructive international role. I was also encouraged by the progress I saw on protecting and empowering women and girls. But there is still much more to do, and this work is critical to the country’s long term prosperity.

Published 9 June 2016