On the invitation extended by Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP), Matt Cannell, Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) at the British High Commission in Islamabad, accompanied by senior officials including Hashim Chaudhary, Crown Prosecution Service Liaison Advisor, and Fahad Qaisrani, Senior Adviser for Security and Justice, visited the SCBAP head office in Islamabad on Friday. The DHC and his team were warmly received by the President and the 27th Cabinet of the SCBAP.
The DHC congratulated the President and the members of the 27th Cabinet for securing comprehensive victories in the recently held SCBAP elections for their respective positions. He expressed hope that the incumbent cabinet, led by its President, would work to uphold fundamental human rights and the rule of law.
The SCBAP President emphasized that Pakistan values its longstanding bilateral relations with the UK. He noted that these relations are not only based on government-to-government ties but also stem from people-to-people interactions. The DHC reciprocated these sentiments, describing the longstanding bilateral partnership between the two countries as ever-evolving.
The meeting included discussions on a range of topics, such as initiatives to enhance future cooperation between the legal fraternities of both countries to foster mutual and robust relationships. Proposals were made to initiate joint efforts for sustainable legal development programs and bilateral exchange programs, which would provide opportunities to learn from each other's legal systems, best practices, and innovations through study tours and joint workshops. The DHC appreciated these proposals and considered them beneficial for the legal communities of both countries, assuring full support in this regard.
Both sides acknowledged the role of the over 1.6 million-strong Pakistani diaspora in the UK and its significant contributions to the UK's progress and development. The SCBAP President emphasized that Pakistanis are among the most peaceful and harmonious people and have paid a heavy price in the war against terrorism. He reiterated that Pakistan disapproves and denounces terrorism, racism, and violence in all its forms and manifestations, anywhere and everywhere in the world.
The DHC acknowledged Pakistan's sacrifices in the war against terrorism as well as the contributions of the Pakistani diaspora to the UK's progress, particularly in technical expertise, education, and other sectors.
The DHC assured his full cooperation and, on behalf of the British Embassy, extended good wishes to everyone present at the meeting. He expressed hope that the Association would continue to promote the rule of law, the supremacy of the Constitution, and adherence to fundamental human rights.