British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called the recent Pakistan-India ceasefire a “highly welcome” but fragile development. During his official visit to Islamabad on May 16, Lammy emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and reassured that the UK is engaging with international partners to help uphold the agreement.
Focus on De-escalation and Terrorism
Speaking to Geo News, Lammy said the UK strongly condemns terrorism in all forms and expressed sympathy for the victims of the Pahalgam attack. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s own suffering from terrorism and noted that both countries need to confront militancy to avoid future escalation.
Lammy highlighted that his discussions in Pakistan focused on de-escalation and building trust between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. “There must be a strong effort to suppress terrorism while promoting stability,” he said.
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Neutral Stance and Regional Role
The British foreign secretary reiterated the UK’s neutral position, stating that it maintains deep relations with both India and Pakistan. While he admitted that he doesn’t expect India to share its national security concerns, he emphasized the UK’s role as a diplomatic bridge to support long-term peace.
Community Impact in the UK
Lammy also noted that the recent flare-up in South Asia has caused significant anxiety among the British-Pakistani and British-Indian communities. He revealed that the British High Commission received over 2,000 calls from concerned citizens. He praised the community for acting responsibly during this period.
Leadership Praised for Ceasefire
He commended the leadership of both countries for demonstrating “statesmanship” in reaching a ceasefire. “It’s crucial that this truce holds,” he said, while acknowledging how quickly tensions could resurface.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
As the first British foreign secretary to visit Pakistan in four years, Lammy said his trip also focused on expanding trade, cultural exchange, and the UK’s ongoing support to Pakistan. He reaffirmed the importance of enduring ties while encouraging continued dialogue for peace.
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