Atte Kaleva praised the warm hospitality extended to the delegation and reiterated Finland’s commitment to sustained, constructive engagement with Pakistan
By Asgahr Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan–Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group, chaired by Sharmila Faruqui, MNA, and convener of the Pakistan–Finland PFG, held a meeting with the visiting parliamentary delegation from the Finnish Parliament, led by Atte Kaleva, MP, and accompanied by Timo Harakka, MP, at the Parliament House in Islamabad.
Welcoming the delegation, the convener reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding, friendly and cooperative relations with Finland. She highlighted the presence of a vibrant Pakistani diaspora of more than 9,000 people living in Finland, contributing significantly to Finnish society.
Sharmila Faruqui also referred to the recent decision to close Finland’s embassy in Islamabad and expressed hope that the move would be reconsidered in future, given the longstanding and cordial ties between the two countries.
Members of the Pakistan–Finland PFG outlined avenues for enhanced cooperation in education, climate resilience, circular economy, mining and trade, underscoring the central role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening trust, countering misperceptions and deepening bilateral understanding.
Atte Kaleva appreciated the warm hospitality extended to the delegation and reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to constructive engagement with Pakistan. He acknowledged the positive role of the Pakistani diaspora in Finland and emphasized Finland’s interest in expanding cooperation in areas of mutual benefit. He also recognized Pakistan’s growing contributions to climate diplomacy and regional and international peace.
Timo Harakka briefed the group on the broader European security environment and its implications for Finland’s defence policy. He highlighted Finland’s leadership in renewable and clean energy, its expertise in rare earth minerals and its focus on sustainable extraction technologies.
Both Finnish parliamentarians stressed their commitment to promoting an accurate and balanced representation of Pakistan within European discourse, grounded in facts rather than stereotypes or one-sided media portrayals. They also expressed openness to enhanced collaboration in education, research, academic mobility and environmental initiatives.
Members of the Pakistan–Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group shared their perspectives on strengthening bilateral cooperation. They stressed the importance of fair media representation, expanded trade and investment ties and deeper collaboration in education, tourism and infrastructure development. Members also highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and reiterated the country’s principled stance on longstanding regional issues, including Kashmir.
Appreciation was expressed for Finland’s engagement with the Pakistani diaspora and its interest in sectors such as mining, nursing and technical education. The group noted Finland’s achievements in renewable energy, environmental standards and circular-economy practices, identifying these as promising areas for future partnership.
Members emphasised the continued role of parliamentary channels in fostering goodwill, countering disinformation and promoting an accurate understanding of Pakistan’s progress and contributions. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of sustained parliamentary engagement in strengthening institutional linkages and advancing long-term cooperation between Pakistan and Finland.
The meeting was attended by members of the Pakistan–Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group, 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, were also present.
