Afghanistan Peace Campaign
The United Kingdom has appointed Stephen Doughty as the minister responsible for Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Middle East and North Africa, expanding his portfolio to include sanctions policy and consular affairs as London reshapes its diplomatic engagement across several strategically important regions.
Doughty, who assumed the role on July 21, announced the appointment in a post on X, saying he would oversee policy on Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Middle East, North Africa, sanctions and consular services. He said protecting British nationals overseas would remain a key priority alongside advancing the UK’s foreign policy objectives.
The appointment comes as Britain continues to navigate complex challenges across the region, including Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, instability in the Middle East and evolving security dynamics in Pakistan and North Africa.
Afghanistan remains a key foreign policy priority for London following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The UK has continued to provide humanitarian assistance, advocate for women’s and girls’ rights, support vulnerable Afghans and coordinate its policy with international partners, while maintaining sanctions against senior Taliban figures.
Pakistan also remains central to Britain’s regional strategy because of its role in counterterrorism, migration, regional stability and longstanding bilateral ties.
As part of his expanded responsibilities, Doughty will oversee Britain’s approach to sanctions, consular affairs and regional diplomacy, managing some of the UK’s most significant foreign policy portfolios amid continuing conflicts, humanitarian crises and geopolitical tensions across the broader region.
According to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Doughty previously served as Minister of State for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories. Before joining the government, he worked with international humanitarian and development organizations, including World Vision and Oxfam, and later served as the Labour Party’s shadow minister for foreign affairs and international development, bringing experience in diplomacy, humanitarian policy and international development to his new role.