ISLAMABAD:Britain’s Minister of State, Andrew Mitchell on Tuesday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of lives of a huge number of Pakistani citizens in the recent boat capsizing incident in Greece.

He conveyed condolences in a virtual meeting with Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar expressed gratitude for receiving the condolences and voiced that

illegal human trafficking has become a major issue worldwide and needs to be curtailed at the earliest.

Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar also apprised Andrew Mitchell about the progress on IMF talks

with Pakistan on the 9th review.

He informed that Pakistan has completed all prior actions in time and is making continuous progress in terms of

major economic indicators.

He also informed Andrew Mitchell about the pragmatic economic decisions being taken by the incumbent government

under difficult economic circumstances and measures the government has proposed to uplift the social and economic

well-being of the masses through the recent budget.

Andrew Mitchell acknowledged that the government of Pakistan has been vigilant in bringing economic stability

through various policy reforms.

He also assured of continuous support and assistance of the British Government to Pakistan.