DPM Dar to visit UK from August 24-28: FO

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is set to visit the United Kingdom from August 24 to 28, the Foreign Office announced Sunday. The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and address critical issues concerning Pakistani nationals.

During his trip, Dar is scheduled to hold discussions with key UK officials, including Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and Minister of State for Pakistan Stephen Doughty. These meetings are expected to cover bilateral relations and potential areas of cooperation between the two nations.

A significant focus of Dar's agenda will be the plight of Pakistani crew members held captive by Somali pirates aboard the MT Honour 25 oil tanker. He plans to meet with the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation to seek solutions for their safe release.

Furthermore, Dar will engage with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, and meet with British parliamentarians. He is also expected to connect with representatives of the Pakistani diaspora in the UK, fostering engagement with the expatriate community.

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He will also meet with the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation to discuss the issue of Pakistani crew members held by Somali pirates aboard the MT Honour 25 oil tanker, in addition to a meeting with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.