ISLAMABAD:The Pakistan–Switzerland Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG), led by its Convener, Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, held a meeting with Swiss Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Stéphane Rey to discuss strengthening parliamentary ties and expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, education, vocational training, tourism and climate resilience.The meeting was attended by Members of the National Assembly, including Rana Mubashar Iqbal, Federal Minister (Public Affairs Unit), Ahmad Raza Maneka, Mian Khan Bugti, Pullain Baloch, Kiran Haider, Neelam, Huma Akhtar Chughtai and Mah Jabeen Khan Abbasi.Welcoming the Swiss Ambassador, Ms. Farah Naz Akbar emphasised the need to make the Parliamentary Friendship Group an effective, outcome-oriented platform for sustained engagement.
She highlighted the importance of parliamentary exchanges, people-to-people contacts and cooperation on shared challenges.She also proposed establishing a counterpart Parliamentary Friendship Group in Switzerland, followed by virtual meetings, reciprocal visits and thematic discussions to facilitate the exchange of legislative experiences and best practices.Ambassador Stéphane Rey appreciated Pakistan’s hospitality and expressed interest in further strengthening bilateral engagement. He identified climate change, tourism, science, cultural heritage and vocational training as promising areas of cooperation.Highlighting the challenges faced by mountain communities, he discussed the impact of climate change on local villages and tourism, stressing the importance of sharing research, expertise and practical solutions. He also underlined the need to enhance Pakistan’s visibility in Switzerland and promote greater mutual understanding.Members of the Parliamentary Friendship Group discussed opportunities for collaboration in vocational education, skills development and institutional exchanges, with particular emphasis on learning from Switzerland’s vocational training system. Economic cooperation, Swiss investment in Pakistan, agricultural livelihoods, infrastructure development and disaster risk reduction were also discussed.The participants explored ways to promote Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage in Switzerland, including the possibility of organising a Gandhara-focused exhibition. The discussion also covered scholarships, student exchanges and expanded educational and professional opportunities for Pakistani students and professionals.
Members further emphasised the importance of strengthening trade and investment relations, enhancing climate resilience and creating greater opportunities for women to acquire skills and participate in economic activities.The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintaining regular engagement between the parliamentary friendship groups and identifying specific areas for future cooperation.
Both sides stressed the importance of translating parliamentary dialogue into practical initiatives in education, trade, vocational training, cultural exchange, climate resilience and disaster preparedness.The engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of Pakistan and Switzerland to deepening bilateral relations and strengthening their longstanding friendship through parliamentary diplomacy and mutually beneficial cooperation.
