DPM Ishaq Dar to visit UK from August 24 to 28: Foreign Office

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit the United Kingdom from August 24 to 28, where he will hold meetings with British officials and members of the Pakistani community, the Foreign Office said on Sunday.

During the visit, Dar will meet UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, FCDO Minister of State for Pakistan Stephen Doughty and other senior British officials, according to the FO.

The foreign minister will also meet International Maritime Organisation Secretary-General Arsenio Domingues to discuss Pakistani crew members held by Somali pirates aboard the MT Honour 25 oil tanker.

The tanker, carrying 17 crew members, including 10 Pakistanis, was hijacked by pirates near Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region on April 21.

The families of the hostages have expressed concern over their condition, saying the situation on board has deteriorated during their captivity.

The FO said the government remains committed to securing the release of the Pakistani nationals held by the pirates.

Dar will also meet Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey during his UK visit.

He is also scheduled to meet British parliamentarians and representatives of the British-Pakistani community, the Foreign Office said.