ISLAMABAD: The British National Security Advisor, Jonathan Powell, has appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in regional diplomacy, including its ongoing efforts to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation in the broader region.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister House media wing.
“During the meeting, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment and resolve to maintain robust and forward-looking engagement with the United Kingdom, a longstanding strategic partner,” the statement said.
While conveying his best wishes for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister recalled the warm and cordial telephone conversation between the two leaders last month, wherein they had expressed a shared desire to further strengthen Pakistan-UK ties, it added.
Mr. Jonathan Powell, the UK’s National Security Adviser, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Islamabad, 20 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/M5kK7pQwor
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) May 20, 2026
While congratulating the Prime Minister on the Government’s impressive economic reform effort, the British NSA expressed his Government’s strong interest in further expanding bilateral cooperation across security, trade, investment, and development sectors.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch.
Islamabad: 20 May 2026.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Meets UK National Security Adviser Mr. Jonathan Powell.
Mr. Jonathan Powell, the UK’s National Security Adviser, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House today.
Deputy Prime… pic.twitter.com/0am5yMoDAK
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) May 20, 2026
Earlier this month, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in ending the US-Iran conflict.
Yvette was speaking with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar over the phone, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office.
Pakistan has continued diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue between Tehran and Washington and to de-escalate the ongoing conflict through diplomacy and dialogue.
Pakistan brokered a ceasefire between Tehran and Washington on April 8 that halted the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
On April 11, Pakistan hosted high-stakes direct talks between the US and Iranian negotiators in Islamabad.
The Islamabad Talks concluded without a final agreement; however, they paved the way for further negotiations between Washington and Tehran to permanently resolve the conflict.
The war started after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory action from Tehran against Israel and the Gulf countries.
The confrontation also contributed to disruptions in maritime traffic around the Strait of Hormuz.
