ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani held separate meetings in London with British Member of Parliament Mohammad Yasin and Deputy Mayor of Slough Asim Ranjha during a brief stay en route to Barbados to attend the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) on October 6, 2025.
The discussions centred on enhancing bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, promoting parliamentary cooperation, strengthening people-to-people linkages, and recognising the vital role of the Pakistani diaspora in fostering mutual understanding and development, according to a statement issued by the Senate Secretariat.
During the meeting with MP Mohammad Yasin, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further consolidating Pakistan–UK relations. The leaders discussed deepening parliamentary engagement, enhancing collaboration on regional and global issues of mutual interest, and expanding public diplomacy efforts to build enduring goodwill between the peoples of the two countries. Chairman Gillani praised the contributions of Mohammad Yasin, a prominent British parliamentarian of Pakistani origin, for his continued advocacy of community cohesion and positive representation of Pakistan in the UK. He emphasised that the Pakistani diaspora serves as a vital bridge between the two nations, playing an instrumental role in promoting Pakistan’s image, strengthening socio-economic partnerships, and fostering goodwill abroad.
MP Mohammad Yasin assured Chairman Gillani of his continued efforts to foster stronger parliamentary relations between Pakistan and the UK. He reiterated his commitment to raising his voice in the British Parliament for the right to self-determination of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), stressing the need for justice and peace in the region.
Earlier, Chairman Senate met with Deputy Mayor of Slough, Asim Ranjha, originally from Sargodha. Barrister Asghar Ranjha was also present. During the meeting, Chairman Gillani commended Asim Ranjha’s active role in promoting the welfare of the Pakistani community in the UK and his constructive engagement in local politics. Chairman Gillani remarked, “Overseas Pakistanis are our true ambassadors, promoting goodwill, mutual understanding, and cooperation wherever they reside. We deeply value the contributions of our compatriots across the world, including those in London, who are enhancing Pakistan’s image and building stronger ties between communities.”
Deputy Mayor Asim Ranjha expressed gratitude to Chairman Gillani for his encouragement and pledged to continue his efforts to strengthen relations between the Pakistani community and the broader British society. Both meetings were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, reaffirming the shared resolve to broaden Pakistan–UK cooperation, reinforce parliamentary and people-to-people connections, and explore new opportunities for mutual collaboration and friendship.
Meanwhile, Chairman Senate is leading Pakistan’s parliamentary delegation to the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Barbados. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference brings together speakers, parliamentarians, and representatives from member states across the globe. The event serves as an important forum for dialogue on strengthening democracy, promoting good governance, enhancing public representation, and fostering inter-parliamentary cooperation.
Gillani will hold a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the conference with parliamentary leaders, lawmakers, and key global parliamentary figures. Discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral ties, deepening parliamentary partnerships, promoting people-to-people linkages, and enhancing regional collaboration. He is also scheduled to chair one of the key sessions of the CPC, where he will highlight Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace, strengthening democratic institutions, and advancing dialogue and cooperation at regional and global levels.
