DPM Dar, British foreign secretary discuss Indus Waters Treaty, regional security: FO

On Thursday, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband in London. The pair discussed the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and the current regional security situation. The IWT has faced challenges since India announced in 2025 that it would suspend treaty obligations. This decision followed an incident in occupied Kashmir's Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed by an attack reportedly blamed on Pakistan by India, despite Pakistan's denial and request for a neutral investigation.

During the meeting, Dar emphasized India's "persistent violations of its international obligations" and stressed the importance of adhering to international law and treaty commitments. Both the UK and Pakistan reviewed their bilateral relations during the delegation-level talks, covering all areas of cooperation to strengthen ties and regularly review key issue progress.

The two leaders also agreed to create a "structured mechanism for formal talks between the two foreign ministries" to support bilateral ties' continuous development and regularly examine significant areas.

In the broader context, DPM Dar discussed Pakistan's diplomatic and mediation efforts in the Middle East, highlighting Pakistan's constructive role in promoting dialogue, diplomacy, and stability. British Foreign Secretary Miliband acknowledged Pakistan's significant contributions in these areas. Dar also raised concerns over terrorist threats emanating from Afghan soil, urging sustained engagement for peace, stability, and cooperation in the region.

Both sides underscored the importance of the Pakistani diaspora in the UK, aiming to further strengthen the existing bond and people-to-people ties between the two nations.