Says Pakistan will happily be part of ISF if mandate does not involve peace enforcement or disarmament of Hamas
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar holds a press briefing in Islamabad on Friday to review Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements in 2025. SCREENGRAB
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated on Saturday that Pakistan is willing to participate in an international force aimed at restoring peace in Gaza, provided its mandate does not include disarming Hamas.
Addressing a press briefing in Islamabad to review Pakistan’s diplomatic performance in 2025, Dar described the issue of participation in the proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF) as “very sensitive.”
“That is why we have consistently used the term peacekeeping and never peace enforcement, whether in New York, Istanbul or here,” he said.
He added: “I have made it very clear that Pakistan will happily be part of it if the mandate does not involve peace enforcement or disarmament of Hamas. This is the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority or whatever government is in place. Our role will be limited to supporting them in maintaining the peace.”
The Gaza peace agreement, brokered with US mediation, foresees the establishment of the ISF, which will primarily include troops from Muslim-majority countries.
Global status and foreign policy priorities
Reviewing the foreign ministry’s annual achievements, Dar said Pakistan, once considered “diplomatically isolated”, has regained a strong and prominent position internationally due to what he described as the government’s proactive and principled foreign policy.
“Pakistan’s active, principled and firm stance on major global issues has been appreciated and recognized at international platforms,” he said, adding that these stances had enhanced Pakistan’s global credibility.
“When the PDM government took office, Pakistan was considered diplomatically isolated. Today, however, our key role in global affairs is recognized,” he added.
Referring to regional security, Mr. Dar the four-day confrontation with India, stating that New Delhi’s efforts to portray itself as a security provider had failed. “India tried to assert dominance in the region and portray itself as a security provider, but it failed. After the Pulwama incident, India made false accusations against Pakistan, yet the Ministry of External Affairs remained active and our national defense is now strong and resilient. Pakistan showed responsibility under Indian aggression as we have always advocated peace.”
He also highlighted Pakistan’s defense capabilities, saying, “Our nuclear and missile forces have made the country’s defenses virtually invincible.”
Underscoring the government’s focus on economic growth, Dar added: “Our focus is now on transforming Pakistan into an economic power and achieving this position will enable leadership in the Muslim world. Pakistan is rich in natural resources, minerals, precious stones and gas and foreign investment is coming through projects like Reko Diq.”
Referring to the UAE president’s recent visit, he said: “The UAE will acquire shares in a military group which is expected to pay $1 billion in dues, while a repayment period of $2 billion may also be extended.” He thanked Saudi Arabia, UAE and China for supporting Pakistan’s financial stability.
Regarding the Kashmir issue, Dar stated: “Sustainable peace in the region is impossible until the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is resolved. Pakistan has strongly protested India’s illegal actions in Occupied Kashmir and highlighted the issue internationally. In UN Security Council meetings, human rights violations were discussed and according to Council resolutions, Kashmi is only a referendum solution.”
Dar also addressed water disputes, saying, “Regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan is actively raising this issue in the OIC, the International Court of Arbitration and the United Nations and reports support our position.”
He cited improving relations with Bangladesh as “significant progress”, describing meetings with officials and political and student groups during his visit. “A climate of goodwill has been created and relations will strengthen further after the elections in February,” he added.
Discussing Pakistan-US relations, Dar said, “Our ties have seen ups and downs. During the previous Biden administration, ties were limited, but the current administration has moved trade, investment and bilateral relations in a positive direction with strong cooperation on counter-terrorism.” He praised the Trump administration for its role in brokering a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, noting that Trump was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his contribution to peace. He added, “Bilateral trade with the US has reached $13.28 billion and tariffs on Pakistan remain among the lowest in South Asia.”
The DPM highlighted Pakistan’s engagement with Turkey, OIC member states, China, EU, ASEAN, UN, SCO and Russia where several agreements on economic, defense and investment cooperation were signed. He emphasized Pakistan’s principled position to promote peace in Gaza and resolve the Palestine issue, saying: “Dialogue, engagement, regional stability, economic cooperation and promotion of peace are the pillars of Pakistan’s foreign policy, aligned with our national interests.”
On domestic protests, he commented: “The PTI protests in the UK were purely provocative and involved death threats which are completely unacceptable. The UK government must act to prevent such incidents and issuing a demarche was the right step.”
He also expressed concern over terrorism originating from Afghan territory. “The Taliban government’s response has been unsatisfactory and no concrete action is being taken against militants.” He concluded by noting, “India remains the only country to obstruct the effective role of SAARC, which is regrettable.”
