Dar to embark on UK trip next week

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will undertake an official visit to the United Kingdom next week, in what diplomatic sources described as an important effort to strengthen Pakistan's engagement with a major Western power.

Sources said Dar would travel to the UK from August 24 to 29 and will have a range of meetings with relevant authorities in London.

The visit assumes significance against the backdrop of Pakistan's increasingly visible diplomatic role in regional and international affairs, with Islamabad seeking to translate its recent diplomatic engagements into stronger relations with major powers.

Diplomatic sources said Dar's visit would provide an opportunity to further consolidate Pakistan's ties with the United Kingdom and discuss a range of bilateral, regional and international issues.

The sources said Pakistan's recent role in facilitating peace efforts and de-escalation in the Middle East had enhanced its diplomatic profile, with major powers, including the UK, acknowledging Islamabad's contribution to regional stability and mediation efforts.

They also pointed to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, saying the trilateral arrangement had further highlighted Pakistan's growing role in collective security, strategic cooperation and peace in the region.

A key engagement during Dar's visit will be his meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, according to the diplomatic sources.

The two sides are expected to review the full spectrum of Pakistan-UK relations and explore ways to deepen political, economic and institutional cooperation. Discussions are likely to cover trade and investment, cultural cooperation, people-to-people contacts and the contribution of the Pakistani diaspora in Britain.

The two foreign ministers are also expected to exchange views on major regional and international developments, particularly the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East.

Dar is also expected to meet UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell for discussions on regional and international security issues.

According to the sources, the meeting is likely to focus on regional security, counter-terrorism cooperation and intelligence-sharing, besides broader developments affecting international peace and security.

As part of his multilateral engagements, Dar is also expected to meet International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.

The meeting will focus on Pakistan's longstanding cooperation with the IMO and its commitment to safe, secure and efficient international shipping, the sources said.

The visit comes at a time when Pakistan is seeking to broaden and deepen its engagement with key international players amid rapidly changing geopolitical dynamics.