Pakistan deputy PM arrives in UK to strengthen ties, launch diaspora land record project

Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar arrives in the UK for his official visit, at the Pakistan High Commission in London on August 16, 2025. (MOFA/Handout)
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Updated 16 August 2025
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Pakistan deputy PM arrives in UK to strengthen ties, launch diaspora land record project

  • Dar to hold talks in London with UK deputy PM and the Commonwealth secretary-general
  • Britain has been a key partner of Pakistan and home to over 1.6 million diaspora members

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, arrived in the United Kingdom on Saturday for an official visit beginning tomorrow, during which he will meet senior officials and launch a land record project for the Pakistani diaspora, an official statement said.

In London, Dar will hold meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Pakistan Hamish Falconer, in addition to a breakfast meeting with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.

The deputy prime minister will also engage with British parliamentarians and Kashmiri leaders during his visit, according to the Pakistani foreign office.

“Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @IshaqDar50, arrives in the UK for his official visit from 17-19 August 2025,” it said in a statement.

“Focus of the visit is on strengthening Pakistan-UK ties, boosting cooperation in digital technology, artificial intelligence & entrepreneurship, and enhanced cooperation with the Commonwealth,” the statement added.

Earlier, the foreign office said Dar will also inaugurate a Punjab Land Record Authority’s project, piloted at the Pakistan High Commission, London.

“The initiative aims to assist members of the diaspora in resolving land documentation issues in Pakistan remotely,” it informed.

The UK is among Pakistan’s largest bilateral development partners, with cooperation spanning education, health, climate resilience, governance reform and trade. It is home to one of the largest Pakistani diasporas, estimated at over 1.6 million people, who contribute significantly to remittances, business and cultural links.

These Pakistani expatriates often complain of prolonged procedures relating to sale, purchase, transfer and settlement of disputes relating to their lands back home. The initiative is likely to streamline processes to facilitate Pakistanis living in the UK.


Pakistan, ADB ink $61.8 million agreements for three development projects

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Pakistan, ADB ink $61.8 million agreements for three development projects

  • Agreements pertain to the upgradation of ML-1 railway link, key bus project in Quetta and water sector development in Balochistan
  • Pakistani official says projects will “significantly contribute” to long-term, sustainable economic growth, address infrastructure needs

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday signed agreements for three major development initiatives worth $61.8 million to boost connectivity, urban transport and water sector in various parts of the country, state-run media reported. 

The two side signed agreements relating to project readiness financing for the Karachi-Rohri Section of the Main Line-I, a critical link needed to transport copper and gold from the Reko Diq mine in southwestern Pakistan to export hubs, for $10 million. 

Another project readiness financing agreement was signed for a bus rapid transit project in the southwestern city of Quetta worth $3.8 million. The last agreement pertained to additional financing for the Balochistan Water Resources Development Sector Project, which amounts to $48 million. 

“The secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs, expressed appreciation for ADB’s role as a trusted development partner, and its continued support to Pakistan to complement the development agenda of the country,” the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said. 

He said the critical projects would “significantly contribute” to Pakistan’s long-term and sustainable economic growth, address urban infrastructure needs of the provincial capital of Quetta, and enhance agricultural productivity in Balochistan.

ADB’s Country Director for Pakistan Emma Fan appreciated Pakistan’s commitment toward development initiatives. 

“She also reaffirmed ADB’s continued commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and other stakeholders to ensure its support remains aligned with Pakistan’s development priorities,” APP said. 

ADB has undertaken initiatives to support Pakistan’s economic recovery by strengthening its public finances, social protection systems and helping Islamabad with its post-flood reconstruction efforts. 

The bank says it has committed 764 public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance to the South Asian country totaling $43.4 billion to date.