UK and Pakistan Agree to Fast-Track Bilateral Political Dialogue

UK Minister of State Stephen Doughty concluded his first official visit to Pakistan on October 7, 2026, after holding high-level talks in Islamabad to strengthen bilateral ties. Doughty met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar to review cooperation on security, trade, investment, and migration.

As a primary outcome of the meetings, both nations agreed to work toward the early operationalization of the Pakistan-UK Bilateral Political Dialogue. The officials discussed counter-terrorism and stability in Afghanistan, while Dar emphasized that sustained diplomacy is critical to addressing regional and global challenges. Doughty also met with civil society members to reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights and democratic freedoms.

A significant portion of the visit focused on transnational education. Doughty coordinated with the British Council and Pakistan's Higher Education Commission to expand university partnerships in healthcare, technology, and STEM. The British Council plans to bring a delegation of UK universities to Pakistan in March 2027, with a goal of establishing over 100 partnerships by 2030.