David Lammy makes first visit by a UK Foreign Secretary to Pakistan since 2021, urging lasting peace between India and Pakistan.
The UK Government has welcomed the ongoing ceasefire between Pakistan and India—two key partners of the UK. During a visit to Pakistan, Foreign Secretary David Lammy stressed the importance of maintaining regional stability and turning the fragile truce into lasting peace.
In his meetings with senior Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Lammy commended both Pakistan and India for taking steps to end hostilities. He also acknowledged the distress the recent conflict has caused, especially for British citizens with Pakistani or Indian heritage, and for the broader diaspora communities in the UK. He emphasized that the ceasefire would bring relief to those affected both locally and abroad.
David Lammy said: “The images of conflict between India and Pakistan were distressing for all of us in Britain: but in particular the millions of Brits with Indian and Pakistani heritage, and the many British nationals living in both of these countries. Ever since the horrendous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the UK has done all it can to play a supportive role to reduce tensions, get to a ceasefire and condemn terrorism.
“It’s positive that India and Pakistan – both great friends to the UK – have agreed to a pause in hostilities and that the ceasefire is holding.
“Because of the deep and historic links between our populations and our governments we are determined to play our part to counter terrorism and ensure this fragile ceasefire becomes a durable peace.”
The UK and Pakistan have a strong tradition of working together to promote regional peace and security. This partnership supports the UK Government’s broader goals to drive growth and prosperity for people in both nations.
Lammy also reaffirmed the UK’s engagement with India, speaking with his Indian counterpart on May 15 and expressing his intention to visit New Delhi soon to further strengthen UK-India relations.
During his time in Islamabad, the Foreign Secretary met with consular staff at the British High Commission to thank them for assisting UK nationals in Pakistan during the recent crisis, ensuring access to timely and accurate information. Photo by Policy Exchange, Wikimedia commons.