Ceasefire Stability
LONDON: British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, describing the current truce as a hugely welcome but fragile development.
Speaking during his visit to Islamabad, Lammy noted that the UK government is actively working alongside international partners to support efforts aimed at sustaining the ceasefire agreement and reducing tensions between the two neighboring countries.
During an interview, Lammy highlighted the recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, condemning them in the strongest terms and expressing condolences to the victims and their families. He affirmed the UK’s firm stance against terrorism in all its forms and stressed that both India and Pakistan have suffered from terrorism in recent years.
The Foreign Secretary acknowledged that discussions with Pakistani officials have focused heavily on de-escalation, confidence-building, and addressing terrorist threats to prevent further violence and instability.
When questioned about India’s accusations against Pakistan regarding involvement in the Pahalgam attacks, Lammy confirmed that the Indian government had not shared any evidence to substantiate these claims, neither with the UK nor publicly.
He explained that while India’s national security matters are their prerogative, the UK’s role is to encourage both countries to maintain peace and work constructively toward a lasting resolution.
Lammy praised the leadership of both nations for their statesmanship in reaching the ceasefire and emphasized the need for this truce to hold firm amid ongoing challenges.
Lammy also touched on the impact of Indo-Pak tensions on communities living in the UK. He acknowledged the anxiety these conflicts have caused among British-Pakistanis and British-Indians but commended both communities for their responsible behavior amid unsettling images and news.
The British High Commission in Pakistan reported receiving over 2,000 calls from concerned British nationals worried about the escalating situation, and efforts have been made to assist them with travel arrangements and support.
The Foreign Secretary concluded by underscoring that his visit was the first by a British foreign secretary in four years and aimed not only to address security concerns but also to strengthen trade, cultural ties, and bilateral cooperation between the UK and Pakistan.
