ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, on Wednesday, lauded the pivotal role of British parliamentarians in enhancing bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, while also praising their vocal support for a just resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. As previously reported in our coverage on the Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar Meets British Parliamentarians in London, the dialogue emphasized the depth of the Pak-UK partnership.

The meeting took place at Pakistan House, London, where the Foreign Office Spokesperson confirmed that the Deputy Prime Minister hosted a cross-party delegation of British parliamentarians of Pakistani origin. The delegation included notable figures such as Lord Zameer Choudrey, Lord Qurban Hussain, Baroness Shaista Sheehan, and Lord Shaffaq Mohammed, alongside Members of Parliament Mohammad Yasin, Yasmin Qureshi, Afzal Khan, Zubir Ahmed, and Adnan Hussain.

Diplomatic Initiatives and Regional Peace

During the proceedings, the British lawmakers commended Pakistan’s leadership and its proactive mediation efforts within the Middle East. They noted that Pakistan’s historical contributions have received international acclaim and remain a source of pride for the Pakistani diaspora. In response, the Deputy Prime Minister outlined the nation’s ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalation and securing long-term peace in the Middle East.

Senator Dar underscored the critical necessity for all involved parties to adhere to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to ensure durable stability in the region. Furthermore, he highlighted the significance of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, characterizing it as a fundamentally defensive measure intended to bolster regional security.

Developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir

The discussion shifted to recent political developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where the visiting parliamentarians offered their congratulations to the Deputy Prime Minister following the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) victory in the recent legislative assembly elections. Senator Dar attributed this success to the party’s historical track record in fostering economic growth and infrastructural development.

The Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that the newly formed government is committed to prioritizing job creation and infrastructure investment for the youth of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He stated that the Federal Government and the local administration intend to collaborate with various political stakeholders to achieve a consensus on pressing governance and constitutional matters. The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge from both sides to continue working toward the further strengthening of the enduring relationship between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.