The Pakistan–Serbia Parliamentary Friendship Group convened its first briefing session at Parliament House, Islamabad under the leadership of Convener Muhammad Numan, MNA. The meeting brought together Members of the Group including Dr. Shahida Rehmani, Naveed Aamir Jeeva, Romina Khurshid Alam and Samina Khalid Ghurki, along with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce. Ambassador Syed Faraz Hussain Zaidi, Pakistan’s envoy to Serbia, participated virtually to provide on-the-ground perspectives from Belgrade.
In his opening remarks the Convener underlined the importance of strengthening parliamentary engagement to advance Pakistan Serbia ties, noting that the reconstitution of the Parliamentary Friendship Group offers a timely platform to deepen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reviewed the historical trajectory and current status of relations, describing the ties as friendly and evolving through sustained diplomatic engagement.
Representatives from the Ministry of Commerce briefed Members on bilateral trade, describing current exchanges as modest but ripe with growth potential. The commerce briefing highlighted areas where increased parliamentary interaction could support trade diversification and market access, and noted ongoing efforts regarding the planned opening of a Serbian diplomatic mission in Islamabad to facilitate closer cooperation and people-to-people contacts.
The Ambassador to Serbia outlined developments in Serbia’s political and economic environment and stressed opportunities for expanding collaboration in trade, education, tourism and parliamentary exchange programs. His remarks reinforced the view that focused parliamentary diplomacy can play a catalytic role in transforming potential into concrete projects and visits.
Members emphasised the need to streamline visa processes and promote easier people-to-people travel to support academic, cultural and business links, while also calling for stronger support mechanisms for Pakistani citizens abroad. There was broad agreement that active parliamentary engagement and institutional interaction would strengthen bilateral ties and create practical pathways for cooperation.
In closing the Convener expressed hope that the Parliamentary Friendship Group will take an active role in advancing Pakistan Serbia ties through sustained dialogue, coordinated initiatives and facilitation of exchanges that benefit both countries.
