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Pakistan’s diplomatic profile has undergone a significant transformation over the past year. Once viewed primarily through the prism of regional security, the country is now increasingly being recognised as a constructive diplomatic actor capable of facilitating dialogue and contributing to regional stability. Against this backdrop, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar’s official visit to the United Kingdom, beginning on Monday, carries considerable strategic and political importance. The visit comes at a time when Pakistan’s international standing has strengthened through an active and confident foreign policy. Islamabad’s recent role in facilitating dialogue and reducing tensions in the Middle East has earned international recognition, while its efforts to promote regional peace have been acknowledged by major global powers. Pakistan’s leadership in supporting diplomacy between the United States and Iran, together with its broader commitment to regional stability, has enhanced its credibility as a reliable international partner. This growing diplomatic influence has also been reflected in the historic Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The agreement has reinforced Pakistan’s position as an important contributor to collective security, strategic cooperation and peace in the wider Middle East, demonstrating its ability to work closely with key regional partners on issues of shared security. Senator Ishaq Dar’s visit to the United Kingdom is aimed at building upon this diplomatic momentum by further strengthening Pakistan’s relationship with one of its most important international partners. It will be Pakistan’s first high-level engagement with the United Kingdom since Prime Minister Andy Burnham assumed office on 20 July 2026, making the visit particularly significant in establishing an early and comprehensive dialogue with the new British leadership. A central feature of the visit will be Mr Dar’s meeting with United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband. The discussions are expected to cover the full spectrum of Pakistan–United Kingdom relations, including political cooperation, trade and investment, institutional collaboration, education, cultural exchanges and people-to-people links. Particular emphasis is likely to be placed on the invaluable contribution of the British Pakistani community, which continues to serve as a bridge between the two countries. Regional and international developments, particularly the evolving situation in the Middle East, are also expected to feature prominently on the agenda. The Deputy Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell. These talks are expected to focus on regional and global security challenges, with discussions covering counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing and broader strategic coordination. Such engagement reflects the growing importance both countries attach to security cooperation in an increasingly complex international environment. Another significant engagement will be Mr Dar’s meeting with International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. The meeting will reaffirm Pakistan’s longstanding cooperation with the IMO and underline Islamabad’s commitment to promoting safe, secure and efficient international shipping. As a maritime nation with expanding regional connectivity ambitions, Pakistan’s engagement with the IMO remains an important component of its international diplomacy. Beyond the scheduled meetings, the visit represents a broader strategic opportunity. It offers both Islamabad and London the chance to redefine and modernise a long-standing partnership that extends beyond traditional diplomacy to encompass trade, investment, technology, education, climate cooperation and regional security. With changing geopolitical dynamics and emerging economic opportunities, both countries have strong incentives to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors. For Pakistan, the visit is also a demonstration of a more proactive and confident foreign policy that seeks engagement rather than isolation. It reflects Islamabad’s determination to cultivate stronger ties with major global powers while simultaneously playing a constructive role in addressing regional and international challenges. If successful, Senator Ishaq Dar’s visit is expected not only to strengthen Pakistan–United Kingdom relations under the new United Kingdom leadership but also to pave the way for further high-level exchanges in the months ahead. More importantly, it will reinforce Pakistan’s growing image as a responsible diplomatic partner whose influence extends beyond South Asia and whose voice is increasingly valued in discussions on international peace, security and strategic cooperation.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday rejected the recently concluded Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, alleging that the electoral process lacked transparency and calling for an independent investigation into the killings and violence reported during the polls. Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and former AJK prime minister Sardar Qayyum Niazi accused the authorities of suppressing public opinion and said the events surrounding the elections had damaged both democracy and the Kashmir cause. Niazi said the people of Kashmir had a long history of supporting Pakistan and deserved to have their voices heard through a free and fair electoral process. He alleged that peaceful protesters had faced excessive force despite demonstrating without violence. “They remained peaceful even while facing bullets and batons,” he said, adding that the government should have engaged in dialogue rather than confrontation. Questioning the decision to conduct polling in three phases, Niazi argued that AJK’s relatively small population did not justify such an arrangement. He contrasted the process with Pakistan’s nationwide elections, saying the phased schedule had raised serious questions among voters. PTI Chairman Gohar described the July 27 elections as “a fraud” and maintained that democracy could not function if citizens were prevented from expressing their views through peaceful protest. He said public grievances should be addressed through dialogue instead of force. The PTI chief also criticised major political parties, accusing them of politicising the post-election situation instead of focusing on the concerns of the people. According to Gohar, the low voter turnout reflected growing public dissatisfaction with the existing political system. He further claimed that the election results had failed to inspire public confidence and urged all stakeholders to prioritise transparency, accountability and democratic values. Calling for an impartial inquiry, PTI demanded that those responsible for the reported killings and use of force be identified and held accountable. Party leaders said an independent investigation was necessary to establish the facts, ensure justice for affected families and restore public trust in democratic institutions. The party concluded by urging authorities to avoid further escalation and resolve political disputes through dialogue, warning that prolonged instability in AJK could undermine both democratic credibility and Pakistan’s longstanding position on the Kashmir issue.