Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the objectives of the Government's diplomatic and political policy on Pakistan are for 2017; and if he will make a statement.

Alok Sharma, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Minister for Asia and the Pacific): The UK and Pakistan are joined by enduring bonds of friendship and partnership. We have a strong bilateral relationship and are keen to make it even stronger.

On 14 August 2017 Pakistan will celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the creation of Pakistan. With an estimated 1.2 million people of Pakistani heritage in the UK, this is an opportunity to highlight our common history, cultural and people to people links, as well as to deepen our partnership for the future.

Pakistan is making improvements in security, economically and politically and is delivering better lives for its people. The UK's political priorities in Pakistan for 2017 include the continued strengthening of democracy ahead of elections in 2018; the consolidation of economic and security gains made over recent years through relevant reforms; and an improvement in regional relations that leads to a more stable South Asia, enabling greater economic growth and prosperity. We are making efforts to enhance trade and investment between our countries. And, alongside this, we remain committed to supporting Pakistan in building a society where the rights of all its citizens are respected and their prospects in health, education and employment are improved, all of which is an investment in the UK's security and national interest. Finally, the UK and Pakistan will continue to tackle jointly threats such as illegal migration, organised crime and terrorism, whilst working together to enhance Pakistan's criminal justice system.

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