The British Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi, Lance Dom, met with Speaker Sindh Assembly Syed Awais Qadir Shah on Tuesday to discuss strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade, education, and public health.

The meeting, held at the Sindh Assembly, highlighted the shared commitment of both sides to expand collaboration in key sectors. Speaker Shah welcomed the delegation and emphasised the historical significance of the Sindh Assembly, which was the first to pass a resolution in favour of a separate Muslim state and the first venue where Pakistan’s national flag was hoisted after independence.

The British delegation included Ms Huda Ikram, Senior Political Adviser, and Mr Noam Rosenbaum, Economic Adviser. Also present were Sindh government spokesperson and MPA Ms Saadia Javed, MPA Jam Shabbir Ali, Assembly Secretary G.M. Umar Farooq, DG Media Irfan Ahmed Memon, and Ms Huma Ikramullah.

During the discussions, Speaker Awais Shah expressed appreciation for the UK’s continued support during humanitarian crises such as floods. The two sides also exchanged views on the global challenge of disinformation and stressed the importance of responsible political leadership in promoting social cohesion.

Touching upon regional developments, the Speaker welcomed the recent ceasefire announcement between Pakistan and India, reiterating Pakistan’s consistent stance in favour of peace and dialogue. ‘Pakistan has always believed in resolving disputes through negotiation,’ he said.

The Speaker also cited landmark legislation passed under the Pakistan Peoples Party government in Sindh, including the Child Marriage Restraint Act (2013), Domestic Violence Act (2013), Anti-Harassment Act (2010), and Acid Control Act (2011), which aim to promote social justice and protect women’s rights.

He highlighted Sindh’s inclusive and pluralistic cultural fabric, noting that religious minorities live with dignity and the provincial government remains committed to preserving harmony and diversity.

Mr Dom commended the progress made in Sindh’s transport sector. Lawmakers Ms Saadia Javed and Mr Jam Shabbir Ali also acknowledged Speaker Shah’s contributions as a former Transport Minister, including the introduction of the Red Bus and electric bus services that have improved urban mobility.

At the request of the Deputy High Commissioner, the delegation toured the historic Old Hall of the Sindh Assembly-where the Pakistan Resolution was endorsed-and the newly constructed Assembly Hall, symbolising Sindh’s democratic progress.

To mark the occasion, Speaker Awais Shah presented Lance Dom with a commemorative shield, a traditional Sindhi Ajrak, and Sindhi Topi, reflecting the cultural heritage of the province.