Foreign Secretary David Lammy makes surprise visit to Pakistan, meets with PM Shehbaz and FM Dar
ISLAMABAD: British Foreign Secretary David Lammy paid an unannounced visit to Islamabad on Friday as part of growing international diplomatic efforts to encourage direct dialogue between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan following their recent four-day military confrontation.
During his visit, Lammy held formal discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The UK played a key role in facilitating the ceasefire agreement reached between the two countries on May 10.
According to diplomatic sources, Lammy is expected to visit New Delhi next as part of broader efforts to support the fragile truce and prevent further escalation.
A statement from the British High Commission confirmed that the primary goal of the visit was to address the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
“It’s encouraging that both India and Pakistan—longstanding friends of the UK—have paused hostilities and upheld the ceasefire,” Lammy said in the statement. “Given our deep historical ties with both nations, we are committed to supporting efforts to combat terrorism and turn this fragile ceasefire into lasting peace.”
The UK foreign secretary’s visit aimed to reaffirm London’s belief that continued peace and stability in South Asia are essential for the prosperity of the region and for communities in Britain connected to both countries.
Lammy welcomed the steps taken by both nations to de-escalate tensions and praised their willingness to reach a ceasefire. In meetings with senior Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he acknowledged the emotional toll recent events had taken on communities in both countries—and particularly on people of Indian and Pakistani heritage in the UK.
“Scenes of conflict between India and Pakistan were deeply troubling, especially for the millions of British citizens with roots in both nations and for those living abroad,” Lammy said. “Since the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, the UK has worked behind the scenes to ease tensions, secure a ceasefire, and stand firmly against terrorism.”
The Foreign Secretary has also been in regular contact with the Indian government and spoke to his counterpart on May 15. He is expected to travel to India shortly to continue diplomatic efforts and reinforce the UK’s ties with both countries.
A separate statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed that Dar and Lammy discussed recent developments in South Asia in detail, with a focus on the post-ceasefire environment.
Dar briefed Lammy on what Pakistan views as India’s unprovoked and aggressive actions, asserting that they breached Pakistan’s sovereignty and violated international law and the UN Charter. He emphasized that Pakistan’s response was in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter—measured, precise, and intended to avoid civilian harm.
Dar also expressed appreciation for the UK’s role in helping de-escalate the situation. Both parties agreed on the importance of restraint, continued dialogue, and diplomatic engagement to maintain regional peace.
Later in the day, Lammy called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House, where broader bilateral and regional matters were discussed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to upholding the ceasefire and maintaining peace in South Asia. He underscored Pakistan’s restraint in the face of what he described as baseless Indian accusations and unprovoked aggression, reiterating that Pakistan’s response was measured and within its right to self-defence.
He also expressed hope for strengthened Pakistan-UK relations and extended warm greetings to King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Lammy congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz on the ceasefire and assured him of the UK’s ongoing support for regional stability and diplomatic engagement.
