MANILA – A renewed commitment to the enduring alliance between Islamabad and London took center stage on Wednesday, as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with newly appointed United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband. The high-stakes diplomatic encounter occurred on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) 2026 in Manila.
The meeting served as a strategic touchpoint to recalibrate bilateral relations and address the volatile security landscape gripping the broader region. Dar opened the dialogue by congratulating Miliband on his recent appointment, wishing him success in steering the UK’s foreign policy.
According to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the conversation spanned a comprehensive agenda of bilateral, regional, and international concerns. Central to the discussion was the evolving security situation, where both diplomats acknowledged the critical role of sustained dialogue in navigating geopolitical turbulence.
Diaspora as a Bridge
Miliband specifically highlighted the profound contributions of the Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom. He characterized the community as a vital human bridge that intrinsically strengthens the fabric of bilateral relations, moving beyond traditional government-to-government interaction.
The discussions took a pragmatic turn toward the simmering tensions between the United States and Iran. Miliband expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s proactive diplomacy and consistent efforts to promote de-escalation during the crisis. The UK Foreign Secretary recognized Islamabad’s role as a voice of restraint in a region fraught with friction.
Both leaders voiced deep concern over recent escalations that threaten global peace. They stressed that diplomacy must prevail over confrontation, agreeing on the necessity for sustained efforts to achieve lasting stability. The talks underscored a shared vision that multilateral forums like the ARF remain essential platforms for cooling tensions and fostering mutual understanding.
