ISLAMABAD, 26 August 2026 (Nosheen) — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met a group of cross-party Pakistan-origin British parliamentarians at Pakistan House in London and discussed bilateral relations, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, Middle East peace efforts, regional security and development initiatives in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Lord Zameer Choudrey, Lord Qurban Hussain, Baroness Shaista Sheehan, Lord Shaffaq Mohammed, as well as Members of Parliament Mohammad Yasin, Yasmin Qureshi, Afzal Khan, Zubir Ahmed and Adnan Hussain.DPM Dar appreciated the important role played by British parliamentarians in strengthening Pakistan-UK relations and their continued advocacy for a just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The British lawmakers lauded Pakistan’s leadership and mediation efforts in the Middle East, saying Pakistan’s historic role had received international recognition and was a source of pride for overseas Pakistanis. Dar briefed the parliamentarians on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at promoting de-escalation and peace in the Middle East. He emphasized that adherence to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding by all parties was essential for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. He also highlighted the significance of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in promoting regional peace and stability, stressing that the agreement was purely defensive in nature.Discussing recent developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the British parliamentarians congratulated DPM/FM Dar on the PML-N’s victory in the recent legislative assembly elections. Dar said the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir had reposed their confidence in the PML-N because of its record of promoting economic growth and development. He said the new government would focus on investment in infrastructure and creating employment opportunities for the youth of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The federal government and the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir would also work with other political parties and stakeholders to develop consensus on key governance and constitutional matters.The parliamentarians exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding Pakistan-UK relationship.