Welcomes the landmark peace deal between the United States and Iran, acknowledging Pakistan’s pivotal role in brokering the agreement
Ansar M Bhatti
ISLAMABAD: The UK has welcomed the landmark peace deal between the United States and Iran, acknowledging Pakistan’s pivotal role in brokering the agreement. On a two‑day ministerial visit to Islamabad, Minister for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Hamish Falconer, expressed gratitude to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, for Pakistan’s leadership in facilitating negotiations.
Falconer emphasized the UK’s commitment to supporting stability in the Middle East and pledged to work closely with Pakistan to ensure the peace deal leads to lasting regional security, noting that Pakistan has played a critical role in brokering this opportunity for regional stability and that the UK stands ready to work together to support a path to lasting peace.
During meetings with senior Pakistani officials, the Minister announced an additional £8 million in funding to bolster joint efforts against illegal migration. The funding will strengthen border and visa systems, disrupt people‑smuggling and trafficking networks, support the return of individuals with no right to remain in the UK, and expand community‑based programmes in high‑risk areas to address the root causes of illegal migration.
This includes improving identity and information‑sharing processes, strengthening law enforcement capability to investigate smuggling networks, and expanding prevention programmes that reduce vulnerability to exploitation.
Falconer highlighted that the UK–Pakistan partnership is vital for tackling terrorist threats, visa fraud, and organized crime, adding that the two countries are taking their cooperation to a new level with additional funding to deter illegal migration and target drivers from the source.
He also met Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan to discuss ongoing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, encouraging dialogue and offering UK support against terrorist threats emanating from the region. His visit included observing a live demonstration of joint UK–Pakistan law enforcement work intercepting non‑genuine visa holders at airports, ensuring only eligible travellers and students travel to the UK.
The UK reaffirmed its commitment to secure borders and national security, stressing that deepening international partnerships is essential to achieving these goals. Falconer’s visit underlined longstanding UK support for stability in the Middle East and for Pakistan’s mediation role, while also strengthening practical collaboration to deter visa abuse and safeguard global, regional, and UK national security.
