ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have congratulated Andy Burnham on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
In his message, President Zardari expressed the hope that Pakistan and the UK would further strengthen their longstanding partnership and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest under Prime Minister Burnham’s leadership.
The President reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. He said that amid ongoing global challenges, particularly tensions in the Gulf region since late February, Pakistan has continued efforts to promote peace with the support of friendly countries.
President Asif Ali Zardari has extended his heartfelt felicitations to Prime Minister Andy Burnham on assuming office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
The President expressed the hope that under Prime Minister Burnham’s leadership, Pakistan and the United Kingdom would…
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) July 20, 2026
President Zardari expressed hope that the United Kingdom would also contribute to efforts aimed at ending current hostilities and supporting a return to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
Pakistan vows to further deepen the enduring friendship
He wished Prime Minister Burnham success in his new responsibilities and said he looked forward to working together to further deepen the enduring friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, PM Sharif, in his message posted on X, extended best wishes to Prime Minister Burnham for his tenure and expressed the desire to work closely with him to further strengthen the historic and longstanding relations between Pakistan and the UK.
Heartiest congratulations to @andyburnham on assuming office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
I wish Prime Minister Andy Burnham every success in his tenure and look forward to working closely with him to further strengthen the historic and deep-rooted bonds of…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 20, 2026
He highlighted the important role of the millions of British Pakistanis who serve as a bridge between the two countries and contribute to strengthening bilateral ties.
The premier said Pakistan looks forward to elevating Pakistan-UK relations, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, and expanding cooperation for mutual benefit.
Pakistan UK enjoy longstanding and multifaceted relationship
Pakistan and the United Kingdom enjoy a longstanding and multifaceted relationship built on historical ties, shared interests, and strong people-to-people connections.
The two countries cooperate across a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, education, security, climate change, and development.
The vibrant British Pakistani community plays a key role in strengthening the bond between the two nations by serving as a bridge between their societies.
Both sides continue to engage through regular diplomatic exchanges and aim to further expand economic cooperation and bilateral partnerships for mutual benefit.
Andy Burnham becomes UK PM after meeting with King Charles III
Earlier, Labour Party leader Andy Burnham officially assumed office as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom following a meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.
His Majesty received in Audience the Rt. Hon. Andrew Burnham MP and requested him to form a new Administration. The Rt. Hon Andrew Burnham MP accepted The King’s offer and kissed hands upon his appointment as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury. pic.twitter.com/QGXjt80Tbq
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 20, 2026
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said King Charles III invited Burnham to form a new government.
Burnham accepted the King’s invitation and formally “kissed hands” upon his appointment as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury, according to the Palace. The statement also noted that Burnham’s wife, Marie-France van Heel, was present at the meeting.
Also Read: Andy Burnham Assumes Office as UK Prime Minister
The 56-year-old leader, widely known as the “King of the North” for his strong support of regional empowerment, has pledged to restore stability, rebuild public trust in government, and reform Britain’s political system by devolving more power from Westminster to the regions.
Andy Burnham has served as the Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017. Born on January 7, 1970, in Liverpool, he previously served as a Member of Parliament for Leigh and held several senior roles in government under former Labour prime ministers.
Burnham served as Secretary of State for Health (2009–2010), Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (2007–2009), and held other cabinet positions during the Labour governments of the 2000s. He was a candidate for Labour Party leader in 2010 and 2015 before becoming one of the party’s prominent figures outside Westminster.
As mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham has focused on regional investment, public services, transport, and greater decision-making powers for local communities. Known for his emphasis on giving regions outside London a stronger voice, he has often positioned himself as an advocate for devolving power across the UK.
