ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is seeking a “forward-looking partnership” with the United Kingdom and remains committed to expanding trade and connectivity within the Commonwealth, according to official statements on Tuesday following high-level meetings in London.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who arrived in the UK on Saturday, is on an official visit aimed at strengthening Pakistan-UK relations, deepening cooperation in digital technology, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and boosting multilateral ties through the Commonwealth.
He also inaugurated a pilot project of the Punjab Land Record Authority at the Pakistan High Commission to help members of the diaspora resolve land issues in Pakistan remotely.
Dar held separate meetings with British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Commonwealth Secretary‑General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey today after interacting with members of the British-Pakistani community earlier in his visit.
“Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, held a productive meeting today with the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Angela Rayner, in London,” the foreign office said. “They emphasized the importance of sustained high-level engagement and expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in relations, driven by close people-to-people ties and growing collaboration across multiple domains.”
The statement said Dar “underscored Pakistan’s desire to build an inclusive and forward-looking partnership with the United Kingdom.”
He also highlighted the contributions of the British-Pakistani diaspora to the UK and extended an invitation to Rayner to visit Islamabad at a mutually convenient time.
COMMONWEALTH CONNECTIVITY
The Pakistani deputy premier also met Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey over breakfast, congratulating her on her recent appointment and reaffirming Pakistan’s deep commitment to the organization as a founding member.
Reflecting on their earlier exchange at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, Dar expressed confidence in the Commonwealth’s role as a platform to foster shared values and build consensus among member states.
“The DPM/FM assured the Secretary‑General of Pakistan’s strong commitment to the Commonwealth’s Sustainable Development and Connectivity agendas,” the foreign office said. “He underscored Pakistan’s intent to play a more active role in promoting intra‑Commonwealth trade and development.”
“Additionally,” it added, “he underscored Pakistan’s acute vulnerability to climate change and sought the Commonwealth’s support in addressing this pressing challenge.”
Dar praised Botchwey’s work on the 2025–2030 Commonwealth Strategic Plan and conveyed Pakistan’s full support for advancing shared goals of democracy, development, and resilience.
He also extended a formal invitation to the Commonwealth Secretary-General to visit Islamabad at her earliest convenience.
