The Pakistan–Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group met with a Finnish parliamentary delegation on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Parliament House in Islamabad to explore deeper bilateral cooperation and parliamentary engagement.
Sharmila Faruqui, Convener of the Pakistan–Finland PFG, chaired the session and reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding cooperative relationship with Finland. She highlighted the contribution of a vibrant Pakistani diaspora of over 9,000 people in Finland and noted the recent decision on the closure of Finland’s Embassy in Islamabad, expressing hope it may be reconsidered in view of the longstanding ties between both countries.
The Finnish delegation was led by Atte Kaleva, MP, and included Timo Harakka, MP. Mr. Kaleva thanked the hosts for their hospitality, acknowledged the positive role of the Pakistani community in Finland and stressed Finland’s willingness to pursue constructive engagement in areas of mutual benefit. Mr. Harakka briefed members on the wider European security landscape and Finland’s defence policy implications while highlighting Finland’s leadership in renewable energy, expertise in rare earth minerals and sustainable extraction technologies.
Members of the Pakistan–Finland PFG discussed concrete avenues to expand cooperation in education, climate resilience, circular economy, mining and trade, and underscored opportunities in nursing, technical education and academic mobility. The meeting identified Finland’s achievements in renewables and environmental standards as promising for future partnerships that can benefit Pakistan’s clean energy and sustainability goals.
Both Finnish parliamentarians emphasized their intent to promote an accurate and balanced representation of Pakistan in European discourse and expressed openness to collaboration in research, education and environmental initiatives. Pakistani members stressed the need for fair media portrayal, stronger trade and investment links and continued collaboration on infrastructure and tourism to advance people-to-people connections.
Delegates also reflected on Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and reiterated the country’s principled stance on longstanding regional issues, including Kashmir, while underscoring the role of parliamentary diplomacy in countering misperceptions. The meeting underscored how sustained parliamentary channels can help build trust and deepen Pakistan Finland ties over the long term.
The session was attended by PFG members including Rana Qasim Noon, Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig, Danyal Chaudhary, Khursheed Ahmed Junejo, Aasia Ishaque Siddiqui, Noor Alam Khan, Romina Khurshid Alam, Asia Naz Tanoli and Farah Naz. The Honorary Consul of Finland in Pakistan, Asad Ansari, and the Chairman of the Pakistan–Finland Business Council, Shahzad Sabir, also attended.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of sustained parliamentary engagement to strengthen institutional linkages and advance long-term cooperation, stressing that parliamentary exchanges will remain central to deepening Pakistan Finland ties in coming years.
