• Foreign Secretary Lammy meets PM Shehbaz and FM Dar
• Welcomes ceasefire, praises steps taken by Pakistan, India to stop hostilities

ISLAMABAD: As the United Kingdom pushes to turn the “fragile ceasefire” reached between Pa­­kistan and India after hei­ghtened tensions brought them close to a full-blown war into durable peace, its Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived here on a visit to Pakistan.

During the first visit by a UK Foreign Secretary to Pakistan after 2021,

Mr Lammy welcomed the ceasefire and asserted that further conflict was in nobody’s interest. He 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 and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Mi­­nister Ishaq Dar, Mr Lam­my highlighted the imme­asurable contribution people of Pakistani descent have made to British life and 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 Pakist­a­ni and Indian diasporas in the UK 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”, David Lammy, said. “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.“Because of the 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 adurable peace.”

Regional security

In a statement, the British High Commis­sion said the UK and Pakistan have an important history of working closely toge­ther on ensuring regional security and stability.

This relationship is key to the government’s mission to deliver the Plan for Change and unlock growth and prosperity for Brits and Pakistanis alike. The foreign secretary has also been in frequent contact with the government of India, having engaged with his counterpart yest­e­­rday (15th May), and will look to travel to New Del­hi soon to build upon the strength of the UK-India relationship.

In Isla­­mabad, the foreign secretary also met with consular staff working at the UK’s High Com­mission.

Lammy meets Dar

Meanwhile, Mr Dar, also met with the United Kingdom’s foreign secre­tary.

Mr Dar emphasised that Pakistan’s response was in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, describing it as limited, precise, and proportionate, with careful efforts to avoid civilian harm.

Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2025