UK minister praises Pakistan's role in brokering US-Iran peace deal

British Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Hamish Falconer, praised Pakistan’s critical role in brokering a ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

“The news of a US-Iran deal is a hugely significant moment, and I am pleased to convey my personal thanks, and those of the UK, to Pakistan during my visit here in Islamabad. Pakistan has played a critical role in brokering this opportunity for regional stability, and we stand ready to work together to support a path to lasting peace,” Falconer said during his two-day visit to Islamabad.

According to a statement issued by the British High Commission, Falconer personally thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for Pakistan’s role in reaching this significant moment.

“He reiterated the UK’s steadfast support for stability in the Middle East and made clear that the UK would continue to do all it could to work with partners such as Pakistan to shore up this opportunity for lasting peace,” the statement said.

“We remain grateful for the role Pakistan has played in facilitating negotiations. The UK and our partners will continue to work together to see the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz,” Falconer said.

The statement added that, during his meetings with Pakistan’s senior leadership, the minister also committed an additional £8 million to support joint UK-Pakistan efforts to tackle crime and illegal migration.

“The funding will be used to strengthen border and visa systems and bring in expertise to help Pakistani law enforcement disrupt people-smuggling and trafficking networks,” it said.

The statement said the funding would also support the return of individuals with no right to remain in the UK and finance community-based programmes in high-risk areas to address the root causes of illegal migration.

“This includes support for improving identity and information-sharing processes, strengthening law enforcement capability to investigate smuggling networks, and expanding community-based prevention programmes that reduce vulnerability to exploitation,” the statement said.

“The UK-Pakistan partnership is critical for safeguarding global, regional and UK national security — working closely together to tackle terrorist threats, visa fraud and serious organised crime,” Falconer said.

“We are taking this partnership and our co-operation to a new level, with additional funding to deter illegal migration and target drivers at the source,” he added.

As part of his visit, Falconer also met Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan to discuss ongoing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, encourage a return to dialogue and offer UK support in tackling the terrorist threat from Afghanistan.

“The UK government is steadfast in its commitment to secure borders and national security. Building and deepening international partnerships is critical to delivering this,” the statement said.

Read More: UK envoy cautions Pakistani applicants against illegal agents making false promises of British asylum

The British High Commission statement said that, during his second visit to Pakistan as an FCDO minister, Hamish Falconer would witness a live demonstration of joint law-enforcement efforts to curb illegal migration.

"The UK-backed initiative enables Pakistani authorities to identify and intercept travellers using non-genuine visas at airports, helping ensure that only eligible passengers and students travel to Britain," it said.

The visit was also expected to include meetings with Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior and the Higher Education Commission to discuss closer practical cooperation aimed at preventing visa abuse.

The statement said deepening the UK-Pakistan partnership was critical to strengthening British, regional and global security.

It added that the UK was providing counter-terrorism assistance to Pakistan, including support for training civilians involved in the investigation and prosecution of terrorism-related cases.