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 PM calls for faster CPEC implementation, pledges security for Chinese workers

Updated 27 February 2026
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Pakistan PM calls for faster CPEC implementation, pledges security for Chinese workers

  • Shehbaz Sharif pushes expanded cooperation in agriculture, IT and mining under CPEC phase two
  • Chinese envoy reaffirms Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and economic development

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for speeding up projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and pledged stronger security guarantees for Chinese workers and investments, during a meeting with China’s ambassador in Islamabad.

Sharif made the remarks as the two countries strive to launch the second phase of CPEC, a multibillion-dollar infrastructure and energy initiative launched in 2015 as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

CPEC’s first phase focused largely on power generation and transport infrastructure aimed at easing Pakistan’s chronic energy shortages and improving connectivity. The second phase seeks to expand cooperation into industrial development, with an emphasis on special economic zones and export-oriented growth.

“While highlighting the importance of accelerating ongoing CPEC projects, the Prime Minister stressed on the need to enhance cooperation in agriculture and IT and mining & minerals,” said a statement circulated by the PM Office after the meeting.

“He also underscored Pakistan’s resolve to provide a secure and conducive environment for Chinese personnel, investments, and institutions in Pakistan,” it added.

Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan have faced security threats in the past, including attacks by militant groups targeting infrastructure sites and convoys. Islamabad has repeatedly vowed to tighten security and has deployed special protection units for Chinese workers.

China is Pakistan’s closest ally in the region and a key economic partner, with CPEC widely regarded by Islamabad as central to long-term economic growth.

During the meeting, the prime minister conveyed greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, particularly on the occasion of the Chinese New Year.

China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, reiterated Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and socioeconomic development, according to the statement. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues and agreed to maintain close coordination.