US President Donald Trump backtracks on promise allowing Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles

  British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad to discuss matters of mutual interest and ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining high-level and continuous engagement between the two countries. Both sides discussed the positive developments taking place in Pakistan-UK relations and emphasized the need to continue diplomatic contacts to deepen cooperation in areas of shared interest. During the meeting, Jane Marriott conveyed her greetings and extended congratulations to Pakistan on the occasion of its Independence Day. She also discussed issues relating to the ongoing relationship between the two countries and reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement between Islamabad and London. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar appreciated the positive progress in Pakistan-UK relations and described the developments as encouraging. According to an official statement, Dar also referred to his recent meeting with the British Foreign Secretary in Manila, highlighting the importance of high-level contacts between the two countries in strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation. The discussion also covered regional and international developments, according to the spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two sides exchanged views on the evolving regional situation as well as broader global issues of mutual concern. Ishaq Dar stressed that Pakistan and the United Kingdom should continue working together through dialogue and diplomatic engagement. He emphasized the importance of implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding in accordance with both its spirit and its agreed text. Dar also maintained that negotiations and diplomacy remain the most effective and appropriate way to address outstanding issues. He said that unresolved matters should be dealt with through constructive dialogue rather than confrontation, underlining Pakistan’s preference for diplomatic solutions to complex regional and international challenges. The meeting comes as Pakistan and the United Kingdom continue efforts to strengthen their longstanding bilateral relationship. The two countries maintain cooperation across several areas, including trade, investment, education, security, development and people-to-people relations. Regular high-level meetings between officials from both sides are considered important for maintaining momentum in bilateral ties. The discussions between Dar and Marriott also reflected the broader importance of sustained diplomatic communication at a time when regional and global developments continue to influence international relations. Both Pakistan and the UK have an interest in maintaining regular consultations on issues that affect regional stability, economic cooperation and international peace. The Pakistani foreign ministry said that continued engagement and dialogue would remain important for addressing matters of mutual interest and promoting closer cooperation between Islamabad and London. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on maintaining regular high-level contacts and advancing bilateral cooperation. Both sides expressed support for continued diplomatic engagement and efforts aimed at strengthening Pakistan-UK relations. The interaction between Ishaq Dar and Jane Marriott demonstrates the continued focus of both countries on maintaining constructive diplomatic ties. With discussions covering bilateral relations, implementation of existing understandings, regional developments and international affairs, the meeting provided an opportunity for Pakistan and the UK to reaffirm their commitment to dialogue and cooperation.

Pakistan and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in food security, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and livestock development. The renewed partnership aims to address the growing challenges posed by climate change while supporting Pakistan’s long-term agricultural and economic development. The commitment was made during a meeting held in Islamabad between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and a delegation from the FAO led by Deputy Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, Robert Simpson. The discussions focused on strengthening existing partnerships and accelerating the implementation of projects designed to improve agricultural productivity and food systems across the country. During the meeting, Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized that Pakistan remains one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, despite contributing only a minimal share to global greenhouse gas emissions. He stressed that unpredictable weather patterns, floods, droughts, and rising temperatures continue to threaten agricultural production, food availability, and the livelihoods of millions of farmers. The minister called for enhanced technical assistance from the FAO and urged the timely implementation of ongoing development initiatives. He highlighted the importance of adopting modern farming practices, improving water management, and strengthening institutional capacity to help Pakistan build a more resilient agricultural sector. Rana Tanveer Hussain also outlined the government’s key priorities for the agriculture sector. These include improving food safety standards, strengthening Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) systems to boost agricultural exports, expanding livestock development programs, and increasing livestock exports to international markets. He further stressed the need to reduce Pakistan’s dependence on imported wheat and edible oil by increasing domestic agricultural production and promoting sustainable farming practices. The FAO delegation reaffirmed its continued support for Pakistan’s agricultural development agenda. Robert Simpson assured the minister that the organization would continue working closely with the government to mobilize financial resources from international financial institutions and development partners. The funding is expected to support climate adaptation projects, food security initiatives, and sustainable agricultural development across the country. The meeting reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and the FAO to building a resilient and sustainable food system capable of addressing future challenges. By strengthening cooperation and investing in climate-smart agriculture, both sides aim to improve food security, enhance rural livelihoods, and promote sustainable economic growth for the benefit of future generations.