ISLAMABAD:
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Friday paid an unscheduled visit to Islamabad in what seems to be part of international diplomatic efforts at seeking direct talks between the nuclear-armed nations following their four-day military fight.
Lammy held formal talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The UK was one of the countries that played a role in brokering the ceasefire between India and Pakistan on May 10.
Sources said the UK foreign secretary would also travel to New Delhi as part of international diplomatic efforts to consolidate the truce.
A statement issued by the British High Commission confirmed that the main purpose of his trip was to discuss the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India.
?”It’s positive that India and Pakistan – both great friends to the UK – have agreed to a pause in hostilities and that the ceasefire is holding,” Lammy was quoted as saying by the British High Commission.?
?”Because of deep and historic links between our populations and our governments we are determined to play our part to counter terrorism and ensure this fragile ceasefire becomes a?durable peace,” he added.
The statement said Lammy visited Pakistan to welcome the ceasefire and make clear that further conflict was in nobody’s interest.
The visit, according to the statement, was to reassert that peace and security were the cornerstones of the UK’s relationship with Pakistan that will protect growth and prosperity for Brits, Pakistanis and the wider region.
He said the UK government welcomed the sustained ceasefire between Pakistan and India, both important partners to the UK, with the Foreign Secretary asserting the importance of continued stability for the region during a visit to Pakistan.
The foreign secretary praised the steps taken by both Pakistan and India to secure an agreement to cease hostilities. In meetings with senior counterparts, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Foreign Secretary highlighted the immeasurable contribution people of Pakistani descent have made to British life and he acknowledged how distressing the past few weeks have been for people in both countries, and for those with Pakistani and Indian heritage in the UK.
The Foreign Secretary reflected that the British Pakistani and British Indian diasporas would particularly welcome news of the ceasefire and increased stability for Pakistan and India. ?
?”The images of conflict between India and Pakistan were distressing for all of us in Britain: but in particular the millions of Brits with Indian and Pakistani heritage, and the many British nationals living in both of these countries. Ever since the horrendous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the UK has done all it can to play a supportive role to reduce tensions, get to a ceasefire and condemn terrorism,” Lammy remarked.
The British High Commission official handout said?the Foreign Secretary had also been in frequent contact with the Government of India, having engaged with his counterpart on May 15, and will look to travel to New Delhi soon to build upon the strength of the UK-India relationship.
A separate statement issued by the Foreign Office said Dar and Lammy held detailed discussions on recent developments in South Asia, particularly the situation following the ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India.
Senator Dar briefed the UK Foreign Secretary on India’s unprovoked and belligerent actions, which constituted a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty, international law, the UN Charter, and established norms of interstate relations.
He underlined that Pakistan exercised its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and that Pakistan’s response remained limited, precise, and proportionate, with utmost care taken to avoid civilian casualties.
Dar appreciated the UK’s constructive and productive engagement in helping de-escalate the situation. Both sides emphasized the importance of restraint and sustained dialogue to prevent further escalation and to maintain regional peace and stability.
Meanwhile, United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP, who is on an official visit to Pakistan, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Friday at the Prime Minister’s House and discussed matters of bilateral and regional interest.
While reaffirming Pakistan’s firm commitment to upholding the ceasefire understanding, the Prime Minister stressed that Pakistan had exercised great patience and restraint in the face of India’s baseless accusations and unprovoked aggression.
He reiterated that in exercise of the right to self-defence, Pakistan’s response was measured, proportionate and targeted. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong desire for peace in South Asia, while defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.
The Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings to His Majesty King Charles III, as well as to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He expressed his satisfaction at the positive trajectory of Pakistan-UK ties and reiterated his desire to enhance bilateral cooperation across all spheres.
The UK Foreign Secretary congratulated the Prime Minister on the ceasefire understanding and said the U.K. would continue to play a constructive role for promotion of peace and stability in the region.
