ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a strategic meeting with a delegation of cross-party, Pakistan-origin British parliamentarians at Pakistan House in London. 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.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

During the proceedings, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar commended the instrumental role played by British parliamentarians in deepening Pakistan-UK relations. He specifically acknowledged their consistent advocacy for a just and lasting resolution to the long-standing Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The meeting highlighted the necessity of sustained dialogue between the two nations, similar to the broader diplomatic engagements seen in other sectors, such as Pakistan and Belarus’s recent efforts to strengthen technological cooperation.

Regional Peace and Global Mediation

The British lawmakers expressed their appreciation for Pakistan’s proactive leadership and mediation initiatives within the Middle East. The delegation noted that Pakistan’s historic commitment to regional stability has garnered international recognition and serves as a point of pride for the diaspora. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar briefed the attendees on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic endeavors aimed at de-escalation, emphasizing that strict adherence to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding is essential for achieving durable regional stability. Furthermore, he underscored the significance of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, clarifying that its mandate is strictly defensive in nature.

Development in Azad Jammu and Kashmir

The conversation transitioned to domestic affairs, specifically the recent developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The British parliamentarians extended their congratulations to Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar following the PML-N’s success in the latest legislative assembly elections. The Deputy Prime Minister attributed this electoral victory to the party’s proven track record in fostering economic growth and infrastructure development. He reaffirmed that the incoming administration remains committed to prioritizing job creation for the youth. Furthermore, he signaled a collaborative approach, noting that both the Federal Government and the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir aim to work alongside political stakeholders to reach a consensus on critical governance and constitutional issues. This commitment to policy development echoes the necessity for structural reforms often highlighted in national discourse, such as the Senate Committee’s orders for the expedited resolution of federal housing project issues.

Future Cooperation

Concluding the session, the parliamentarians reaffirmed their collective commitment to further cementing the multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and the UK, pledging to continue their advocacy on matters of mutual interest for both nations.