PM Shehbaz attends Coronation of King Charles III

LONDON, May 06 (SABAH): Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif represented Pakistan at the Coronation Ceremony of King Charles III in London on Saturday. The Coronation is the first occasion in 70 years that a British monarch has been anointed.

Earlier, his mother, late Queen Elizabeth II had ascended the throne in 1953.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif representing Pakistan on the occasion, conveyed best wishes on behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan to the King.

Earlier, on 5 May 2023, the Prime Minister attended a gathering of Commonwealth leaders at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.

Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister noted that the accession of the new King, who is also head of the Commonwealth, opened new vistas and fresh avenues for the multilateral forum and was an opportune moment to infuse the organisation with even greater energy and sense of purpose.

The Prime Minister underscored significance of Pakistan-Commonwealth partnership, particularly on youth empowerment and youth engagement.

On the sidelines, he interacted with a number global and Commonwealth leaders including inter alia, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the UK and Secretary General Commonwealth Patricia Scotland.

The Prime Minister is also due to meet First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf today (Sunday). Hamza Yousuf who was recently elected by the Scottish Parliament to head the devolved Scottish government, is the first Muslim and first British Pakistani to do so.

Pakistan and the UK enjoy a deep and enduring friendship grounded in historic affinities and abiding people to people linkages.

The Prime Minister’s participation at the Coronation underscores the enduring and multifaceted ties that continue to exist between the two friendly countries, including inter alia through the Royal family’s longstanding and affectionate association with Pakistan and its people.