Deputy Prime Minister Begins High-Level Diplomatic Engagements
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has arrived in London ahead of a five-day official visit aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s political, economic and security relationship with the United Kingdom.
Dar reached London on Sunday, August 23, while his official engagements are scheduled from August 24 to 28, 2026.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Tipu Usman received the deputy prime minister at Heathrow Airport along with senior diplomatic officials.
During the visit, Dar will hold talks with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and FCDO Minister of State for Pakistan Stephen Doughty.
Meetings with other senior British government officials are also expected as both countries seek to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Pakistan and the UK are expected to discuss a wide range of issues, including trade, investment, economic cooperation, security and regional developments.
Counterterrorism, law-enforcement cooperation and measures against illegal migration and human smuggling are also likely to feature in discussions.
The visit follows recent efforts by Islamabad and London to strengthen high-level diplomatic contacts.
In July, the two countries agreed to intensify bilateral trade engagement and explore a more structured economic and trade framework.
They have also recently discussed stronger cooperation in counterterrorism, policing and institutional capacity-building.
Somali Pirates and MT Honour 25 Crew High on Agenda
A major issue during Dar’s visit will be the fate of Pakistani sailors being held aboard the MT Honour 25 oil tanker.
The Foreign Office confirmed that Dar will meet International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez to discuss the detained crew members and wider maritime security concerns.
The Palau-flagged MT Honour 25 was hijacked by armed pirates near Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region in April.
Reports say the vessel was carrying 17 crew members, including 10 Pakistanis, when it was seized.
Families of the Pakistani sailors have since expressed growing concern about their safety and conditions during captivity.
Dar’s meeting with the IMO chief is expected to focus on international efforts that could help secure the sailors’ release.
Maritime security and protection of commercial shipping are also expected to be discussed.
The issue has become an important diplomatic concern for Islamabad as the captivity of the Pakistani crew continues.
Pakistan has said it remains committed to pursuing diplomatic and international channels for their safe return.
Dar to Meet Commonwealth Chief, British MPs and Pakistani Community
During his London stay, Dar will also meet Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.
The meeting is expected to cover Pakistan’s engagement with the Commonwealth and issues of mutual interest.
Dar is also scheduled to hold meetings with British parliamentarians.
Engagements with representatives of the large British-Pakistani community are part of the programme as well.
The Pakistani diaspora remains an important link between the two countries, contributing significantly through business, investment, remittances and political engagement.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has repeatedly highlighted the importance of expanding people-to-people ties alongside government-level relations.
The visit follows Dar’s recent meeting with UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott in Islamabad, where he praised the positive momentum in Pakistan-UK relations and stressed the importance of sustained high-level engagement.
Dar had also recently met Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila.
The London visit will provide both sides with an opportunity to build on those discussions and examine ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment and security.
Regional and international developments are also expected to feature prominently as Pakistan seeks closer coordination with Britain on diplomatic and security issues.
With meetings planned across the British government, the Commonwealth and the International Maritime Organization, Dar’s five-day visit is expected to combine bilateral diplomacy with urgent maritime and security concerns.
