UK praises Pakistan's role in US-Iran deal, announces £8M to curb illegal migration

The United Kingdom praised Pakistan's role in brokering a breakthrough agreement between the United States and Iran on Tuesday, while announcing £8 million in new funding to strengthen cooperation on illegal migration and transnational crime.

British Minister for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan Hamish Falconer made the remarks during a two-day visit to Islamabad, where he met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

What role did Pakistan play in the US-Iran deal?

Pakistan helped create the diplomatic space that made the US-Iran agreement possible, according to the UK government.

Falconer described the deal as a "hugely significant moment" for regional stability and credited Islamabad for keeping communication lines open between Washington and Tehran. The UK said it stands ready to work with Pakistan to support a path to lasting peace.

What did Falconer say about the US-Iran agreement?

Falconer credited Pakistan directly for enabling the diplomatic breakthrough. "The news of a US-Iran deal is a hugely significant moment. Pakistan has played a critical role in brokering this opportunity for regional stability, and we stand ready to work together to support a path to lasting peace," he said.

He also welcomed efforts to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route, and reaffirmed London's commitment to working with Pakistan and other partners on a durable peace framework.

What will the UK's £8M Pakistan funding be used for?

Britain announced an additional £8 million package to fund joint programs targeting illegal migration, human smuggling and organized crime. The funding will strengthen border management and visa screening systems, improve identity verification and information-sharing, and provide technical assistance to Pakistani law enforcement. It also covers support for returning individuals with no legal right to remain in the UK, alongside community programs addressing the root drivers of irregular migration.

Falconer is expected to observe joint law-enforcement operations during his visit, focusing on visa abuse and the interception of non-genuine travelers at Pakistani airports. He will also meet officials from Pakistan's Interior Ministry and the Higher Education Commission to discuss visa fraud prevention and misuse of student and travel visas.

"The UK-Pakistan partnership is critical for safeguarding global, regional and UK national security, working closely together to tackle terrorist threats, visa fraud and serious organized crime," Falconer said.

What else did Falconer discuss during his Islamabad visit?

Falconer met Pakistan's special envoy for Afghanistan to discuss tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, encourage dialogue, and explore measures to counter militant threats from Afghan territory.

The UK said strengthening international partnerships remains central to its border security strategy, with Pakistan playing a key role in efforts against terrorism, illegal migration and organized crime. The visit is Falconer's second to Pakistan as a Foreign Office minister, following an earlier trip in November 2024.