Political Editor - Conservative Friends of Pakistan

Rob Wilson elected Chairman of the Conservative Friends of Pakistan

photo of Rob Wilson, the High Commissioner, his deputy, and Lord Sheikh

24th July 2008

Reading East MP, Rob Wilson was elected as the first Chairman of the Conservative Friends of Pakistan (CFP) at a meeting of Conservative Peers and MPs last week in recognition of his hard work and efforts in engaging with the Pakistani community.

Rob met with the Pakistani High Commissioner, Wajjid Shamsul Hasan, on Monday in one of his first duties in the new role. He was joined by the Deputy High Commissioner, Abdul Bassit, and Lord Sheikh, Chairman of the Conservative Muslim Forum. They discussed wide ranging issues, such as the ongoing problems in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), with particular reference to Waziristan and the increasing ‘Talibanisation’ of the area. Rob also discussed with the High Commissioner, how to more effectively promote British national interests in the country and increase the level of trade between the two countries.

Rob Wilson actively engages with all groups from the Asian community in his Reading East constituency.

He said, “It is important that we build up bilateral relations with countries such as Pakistan, India and Bangladesh as we move closer to Government. My meeting with the High Commissioner, his Deputy, and Lord Sheikh was highly productive and I feel that it will go a long way to strengthening our relations with Pakistan in particular. In light of the fragile political situation there, it is important that we make efforts to strengthen democracy in the country and reinforce their support for the ongoing conflict against the Taliban.”

The first planned event for the CFP, at which the High Commissioner will be attending, will take place at this year’s Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham.