Pakistan, UK reaffirm push to strengthen ties, fast-track political dialogue
Published Date: October 7, 2026
Published On: Pakistan Today
Pakistan and UK reaffirm commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, focusing on trade, investment, education and security. DPM Dar and UK Minister Stephen Doughty also discuss regional developments and agree to work towards early operationalisation of Pakistan-UK Bilateral Political Dialogue.
Dar, Doughty review bilateral ties with focus on trade, investment, education
Pakistan, UK exchange views on regional, international developments
Sides agree to work towards early operationalisation of Bilateral Political Dialogue
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, with particular focus on trade and investment, education, security and other areas of mutual interest, according to the Foreign Office (FO).
The commitment was expressed during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and UK Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan Stephen Doughty in Islamabad, the FO said in a statement posted on X.
DPM/FM Ishaq Dar received Stephen Doughty at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-UK bilateral relations and reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen ties.
DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 received UK Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Stephen Doughty @SDoughtyMP, in Islamabad today. The two sides reviewed Pakistan-UK bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, with particular focus on trade and investment, education, security, and other areas of mutual interest. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments and expressed concern over the evolving situation in the region. The DPM/FM emphasized that sustained dialogue and diplomacy remain critical to addressing regional and global challenges. They agreed to work towards the early operationalization of the Pakistan-UK Bilateral Political Dialogue.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 6, 2026
The discussions focused particularly on trade and investment, education, security and other areas of mutual interest, the FO said.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments and expressed concern over the evolving situation in the region.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasised that sustained dialogue and diplomacy remained critical to addressing regional and global challenges.
The two sides agreed to work towards the early operationalisation of the Pakistan-UK Bilateral Political Dialogue.