The Pakistan-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group, chaired by Munaza Hassan, kicks off a promising chapter in ties with Ireland’s new embassy in Islamabad.
Lawmakers and diplomats at the Pakistan-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) meeting highlighted a fresh momentum in bilateral relations following the opening of Ireland’s embassy in Islamabad in 2024. Chaired by Munaza Hassan, MNA and convener of the group, the session focused on strengthening parliament-to-parliament diplomacy, educational exchanges, trade, and diaspora engagement, aiming to enhance collaboration across sectors such as agriculture, climate change, and technology.
UK Delays Decision on New Chinese Embassy Amid Beijing’s Information Withholding
Munaza Hassan opened the meeting emphasizing the significance of Ireland’s embassy opening as a new chapter in bilateral friendship. She reflected on her recent cross-party visit to Ireland, where she witnessed the legislative process and engaged with diaspora communities. “With several thousand Pakistanis in Ireland contributing skilled services, we proposed academic exchange programs focusing on agriculture research and food security,” she said.
She also noted Ireland’s expertise in climate change mitigation and its emergence as an EU IT hub as valuable opportunities for collaboration.
H.E. Mary O’Neill, Ireland’s Ambassador to Pakistan, expressed gratitude for the smooth establishment of the embassy and highlighted the longstanding friendly ties between the two countries. She mentioned the historic presence of Ammar Ali, an Irish elected official of Pakistani origin, as a symbol of deepening connections. Ambassador O’Neill described the embassy’s opening as a fresh phase in developing closer ties.
Deputy Head of Mission Declan Johnston shared insights into Ireland’s parliamentary system, the Oireachtas, highlighting its progressive features including 30% female representation and a rotational mayoral system. The meeting also addressed the positive perception of the Pakistani community in Ireland, which is recognized as a valuable bridge between the two nations.
EU Reports GPS Jamming of von der Leyen’s Plane, Suspects Russian Interference
Committee members raised a range of key issues during the session. Huma A. Chughtai inquired about the demand for Pakistani nurses in Ireland, to which Ambassador O’Neill responded that while most overseas nurses currently come from the Philippines and India, there is potential for increasing Pakistani representation in the sector.
Naveed Aamir Jeeva appreciated Ireland’s role in supporting technical education in Pakistan and suggested the Irish government consider offering scholarships in the medical field. He also stressed the importance of promoting the Friendship Group more actively to enhance bilateral visibility.
Sehar Kamran asked whether U.S. tariffs were affecting Irish industries. In response, Ambassador O’Neill acknowledged that while Ireland, as part of the EU, is impacted by such tariffs, its diversified trade relations with global partners help reduce the economic shock. She added that “tariffs are never welcome,” underlining the challenges they pose to international trade.
Turkey Moves Closer to Eurofighter Jet Deal After Breakthrough with UK, Germany
MNA Zeb Jaffer thanked the Irish government for recognizing the State of Palestine and emphasized the importance of easing visa procedures to allow greater Pakistani engagement with Ireland, especially through cultural exchange.
Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry noted that while trade between the two countries exists, there remains substantial untapped potential on both sides.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to expand educational, economic, and diplomatic cooperation, envisioning a future of sustained partnership and mutual growth between Pakistan and Ireland.
