UK national security adviser praises Pakistan’s regional diplomatic role in meeting with PM

ISLAMABAD: United Kingdom National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House on Wednesday and conveyed the British government’s appreciation for Pakistan’s role in regional diplomacy.

The PM Office said Powell acknowledged Pakistan’s contribution to diplomatic efforts in the region at a time when attempts are under way to find a solution to the conflict involving the United States and Iran. The statement said the British side appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to support dialogue and reduce tensions in the wider region.

Powell called on the prime minister and delivered a message of appreciation from His Majesty’s Government for what it described as Pakistan’s constructive engagement.

Powell conveyed the appreciation of His Majesty’s Government for Pakistan’s constructive role in regional diplomacy, including its ongoing efforts to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation in the broader region.

The prime minister, during the meeting, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to robust and forward-looking engagement with the United Kingdom. The statement said Shehbaz Sharif referred to Britain as a longstanding strategic partner of Pakistan.

Pakistan-UK ties discussed

While extending his good wishes to British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Shehbaz Sharif also recalled a warm and cordial telephone conversation between the two leaders last month. Both leaders had expressed a shared desire during that call to further deepen ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

The PM Office said the meeting also covered prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation. Powell congratulated the prime minister on the government’s economic reform efforts and expressed Britain’s interest in broadening cooperation with Pakistan in several sectors.

These areas, according to the official statement, included security, trade, investment and development. The statement did not provide further details of any specific agreements or announcements made during the meeting.

Official statement outlines agenda

The meeting was presented by the Prime Minister’s Office as part of continued high-level engagement between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The official statement focused on regional diplomacy, bilateral relations and economic cooperation, while highlighting British appreciation for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts linked to de-escalation in the region.

The PM Office also shared that the interaction took place in Islamabad on May 20, 2026, and identified Powell as the UK’s National Security Adviser. The statement described the exchange as reflecting continued contact between the two countries at the leadership level.