Islamabad; 2nd October, 2025: The Pakistan-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG), convened by MNA Munaza Hassan, held a noteworthy engagement with Ambassador Mary O’Neill and Declan Johnston, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Ireland in Pakistan. 

In her welcoming remarks, the Convener extended cordial greetings to the Ambassador and recalled their recent meeting in Islamabad, describing it as a forward-looking and constructive exchange. She reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing parliamentary cooperation with Ireland.

 

The Convener noted that the opening of Ireland’s Embassy in Pakistan in 2024 marked a milestone in the advancement of bilateral relations. She also recalled the parliamentary study visit to Ireland in January 2025, which provided valuable insights into the Irish parliamentary system, committee structures and legislative practices. 

 

Highlighting the importance of structured engagement, the Convener Munaza Hassan proposed holding a virtual introductory meeting with the counterpart PFG in the Irish Parliament as a first step towards regular group-to-group and committee-to-committee exchanges. She further underscored the need for cooperation on climate policy, youth & sports diplomacy, academic exchanges and stronger linkages between the Women’s Parliamentary Caucuses of both countries to promote gender-responsive legislation and leadership. She also observed that, beyond parliamentary linkages, there are promising avenues for sectoral cooperation. She highlighted Ireland’s emergence as a leading European IT and technology hub with a dynamic digital economy, offering opportunities for collaboration in IT skills exchange, research and innovation. Pakistan, she added, looks forward to joint initiatives in digital workforce development and cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and fintech.

 

The Group conveyed its profound appreciation for Ireland’s decision to formally recognize the State of Palestine, an important step greatly valued by Pakistan and widely acknowledged across the international community. 

 

Members further highlighted the potential for enhanced collaboration in digital innovation, advanced agricultural practices, renewable energy, climate resilience, environmental sustainability and trade.

 

The Group acknowledged the longstanding contributions of Irish educators, particularly the nuns of the Convent of Jesus and Mary and other missionaries, whose dedicated service has left a lasting legacy in Pakistan’s educational and social development.

 

In her remarks, Ambassador O’Neill highlighted the historic opening of Ireland’s Embassy in Pakistan in 2024, its 100th overseas mission, as a reflection of Ireland’s commitment to stronger ties with Pakistan. She commended the initiatives of the PFG in the National Assembly and underscored the vital role of education, particularly girls’ education, in national development.

 

The Ambassador acknowledged the constructive role of the Pakistani diaspora in Ireland, noting their valuable contributions in education, healthcare, IT and other professional fields, which continue to foster goodwill and strengthen connectivity between the two nations. She also highlighted the example of Mr. Ammar Ali, the first Pakistani-origin councillor in Dublin, whose forthcoming role as Deputy Mayor reflects the growing leadership and constructive contributions of the Pakistani community in Ireland.

 

Ambassador O’Neill underscored her resolve to work closely with the PFG to deepen parliamentary cooperation, expand people-to-people linkages and enhance collaboration in sports, education, health and IT, while opening new pathways of cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

 

Both sides committed to advancing Pakistan-Ireland relations through deeper engagement and broader collaboration. 

 

From Pakistan’s side, the meeting was attended by Members of the Pakistan–Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group, including Ms. Nuzhat Sadiq, Barrister Danyal Chaudhary, Ms. Zeb Jaffar, Ms. Seher Kamran,Ms. Huma Akhtar Chughtai, Mr. Naveed Aamir and Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro.