British Foreign Secretary Visits Pakistan on Afghanistan and Bilateral Relations

Islamabad; 03 Sep 2021 – Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi held wide-ranging talks with British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, today.

The latest situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan-UK bilateral relations, and issues of mutual interest were discussed.

The Foreign Minister noted that Pakistan as an immediate neighbour had suffered the most for decades due to conflict and instability in Afghanistan. As such, a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was in vital interest of Pakistan and the region.

The Foreign Minister added that Pakistan was in close contact with regional and international partners, stressing the safety and security as well as protection of the rights of all Afghans and an inclusive political settlement.

The Foreign Minister underscored that in light of changed reality in Afghanistan, the world community had to take pragmatic and practical approach. It was essential to stay engaged in order to support the people of Afghanistan, economically and to help rebuild. The urgent priority, the Foreign Minister emphasised, should be to address the dire humanitarian needs and to ensure economic stability. This was indispensible for preventing any exodus of refugees.

The Foreign Minister highlighted that Pakistan had facilitated evacuation of over 12,000 people, which included diplomatic personnel and staff of international organizations and others.

The Foreign Minister also raised the issue of egregious human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), including the dastardly act of snatching of human remains of Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

Reiterating concerns over Pakistan’s retention on the UK’s ‘Red List’ for travel, the Foreign Minister urged reconsideration of this decision by the British Government.

The Foreign Minister also highlighted Pakistan’s tremendous progress in implementation of the FATF Action Plan and hoped that no attempt to politicize this process would be allowed.

In the context of bilateral relations, it was agreed that the strong Pakistan-UK bilateral relations must be further expanded, especially in the economic and trade spheres.

The two Ministers reaffirmed the resolve to upgrade the relationship from the current Enhanced Strategic Dialogue to the next level.

In 2022, the two countries will be celebrating 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

British H.C issues a press statement ;

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab today visited Pakistan to discuss how the two countries can work closely together on the situation in Afghanistan.

He held meetings with Prime Minister Imran Khan, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and was scheduled to meet Chief of Army Staff General Bajwa later.

Discussions focused on securing a safe passage for those leaving Afghanistan, combatting terrorism, the humanitarian situation and regional stability, among other issues.

The Foreign Secretary visited the Afghanistan-Pakistan border at Torkham, an important crossing point, to see for himself the situation on the ground. He also met members of the team supporting the current crisis response.

Speaking at a joint press briefing with the Pakistan Foreign Minister, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

“The basis for the UK-Pakistan relationship is very strong – and the UK has the desire to take it to the next level. We also have a very clear and shared interest in the future of Afghanistan.  We will judge the Taliban by their actions, not their words.”

The Foreign Secretary underlined the UK’s commitment to help those fleeing Afghanistan, including by supporting neighbouring countries.

The UK has announced a doubling of aid to Afghanistan to £286 million, and has released the first tranche of £30m of that to support Afghanistan’s regional neighbours, including Pakistan.

Dr Christian Turner CMG, the UK High Commissioner to Pakistan, said:

“The Foreign Secretary’s visit to Pakistan today underlines just how vital the UK-Pakistan relationship is. We are committed to working closely together to help the people of Afghanistan and promote stability in the region.”