UK Appoints Stephen Doughty to Oversee Afghanistan, Pakistan Affairs

DID Press: United Kingdom has appointed Stephen Doughty as the minister responsible for Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Middle East, and North Africa, expanding his portfolio to include oversight of sanctions policy and consular affairs.

Doughty, who assumed the role on 21 July, said advancing the UK’s foreign policy objectives while protecting British citizens overseas would be among his top priorities.

The appointment comes as Britain continues to navigate major foreign policy challenges, including Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, evolving security developments in Pakistan, and rising geopolitical tensions across the Middle East and North Africa.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said Afghanistan remains a key foreign policy priority for London. The government will continue providing humanitarian assistance, supporting the rights of women and girls, working with international partners, and maintaining sanctions against a number of senior Taliban officials.

According to the FCDO, Doughty previously served as Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories and has also worked with international humanitarian organizations.