By Pervaiz Mughal
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held a meeting with the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, with discussions focusing on regional stability, diplomatic coordination and the future trajectory of Pakistan–UK cooperation.
According to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting covered a broad range of issues, including regional security dynamics, emerging geopolitical challenges and avenues for strengthening bilateral engagement in both traditional and emerging sectors.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed what he described as Pakistan’s commitment to a “strong, positive and forward-looking” relationship with the United Kingdom and conveyed his best wishes for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The statement said Jonathan Powell acknowledged Pakistan’s role in regional diplomacy, particularly its efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and reducing tensions in what officials described as an increasingly complex and volatile regional environment. He was reported to have praised Islamabad’s “constructive engagement” in managing crises and supporting de-escalatory initiatives.
Powell also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s broader diplomatic outreach and its role as a relevant interlocutor in regional and international forums. According to the statement, he noted that the United Kingdom values Pakistan’s contribution to stability in South Asia and views continued engagement with Islamabad as important for broader diplomatic coordination.
The British side also signalled interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistan across multiple sectors, including security, trade, investment and development partnerships. Officials said London was keen to explore deeper institutional collaboration, particularly in areas where both countries share strategic and economic interests.
