Islamabad : The Pakistan–Estonia Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) convened a comprehensive briefing session at Parliament House, under the Convenership of Khawaja Izhar ul Hassan, MNA, with the aim of initiating structured engagement with Estonia across key areas of mutual interest, including digital innovation, trade facilitation, and parliamentary cooperation.
The session was attended by Members of the National Assembly, including Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, Fateh Ullah Khan, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Sanjay Perwani, Rana Ansar, and Mussarat Rafique Mahesar.
In his opening remarks, the Convener, Khawaja Izhar ul Hassan, underscored the significance of fostering robust parliament-to-parliament (P2P) linkages between Pakistan and Estonia. He noted that this was the first formal activation of a Parliamentary Friendship Group with Estonia, and emphasized the need for practical initiatives to enhance parliamentary cooperation and business connectivity between the two sides.
During the session, Members highlighted the importance of parliamentary exchanges and proposed sector-specific collaboration, particularly in the fields of technology.
The Group discussed avenues for enhanced economic cooperation, referencing Estonia’s globally recognized IT infrastructure, e-residency program, and streamlined digital import systems. The Convener emphasized the need to explore new partnerships in information technology, expand digital trade, and build linkages with Estonian tech enterprises and academic institutions.
Recommendations were also voiced regarding the improvement of community data systems and the facilitation of student and youth engagement under potential bilateral education initiatives.
The session concluded with a shared consensus to:
• Initiate formal contact with the Honorary Consul of Estonia in Pakistan; and
• Explore the possibility of forming a counterpart Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Estonian Parliament.
The members expressed keen interest in organizing thematic visits and pursuing follow-up engagements, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant diplomatic channels, to further strengthen bilateral ties between Pakistan and Estonia.
Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon Directorate of Electronic Media and Publications – Government of Pakistan
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
