The UK’s Minister for Faith, Lord Khan of Burnley, has recently completed a three-day visit to Islamabad, Pakistan, where he highlighted the UK’s commitment to supporting religious harmony and protecting minority communities. During the visit, Lord Khan met with senior Pakistani leaders including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and several ministers, stressing the importance of community engagement and mutual respect between faiths. He visited major religious sites like Faisal Mosque and St Joseph’s Cathedral.

Lord Khan emphasised the UK’s work in helping set up more than 1,000 community-led village forums across Pakistan. These forums aim to bring together people from different backgrounds to support the most vulnerable and to resolve tensions before they grow. The UK believes in tackling problems early and working together to create safer, stronger communities.

Lord Khan, ‘This visit has been a wonderful reminder of the diversity across Pakistan, and the white in the flag representing religious minorities.’

He also spoke at the first Overseas Pakistanis Convention, sharing his personal connection to Pakistan, especially his roots in Gujrat. Lord Khan praised the strong link between the UK and Pakistan, with a 1.6 million-strong Pakistani community in Britain and over 200 British businesses operating in Pakistan. The visit showed how both countries are working closely on major issues like climate change, serious crime and migration, while promoting peace and unity among all faiths.