LAHORE:
Pakistan is increasingly being recognized as a global ‘peacemaker’ and a budding ‘middle power’, following its mediating role in ending the US-Iran war, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday.
Addressing the media at the Data Darbar in Lahore, Dar said the country’s role in facilitating dialogue between the US and Iran has enhanced its international standing and diplomatic profile and positively transformed the global perception of the country.
He said that Pakistan was once described as diplomatically isolated but was now recognized worldwide for its constructive role in promoting peace and stability. “Today, Pakistan is recognized all over the world as a peacemaker,” he said.
“Pakistan is now recognized as a middle power and a cyber security provider. The countries that previously knew little about Pakistan are now taking notice of our diplomatic engagement and mediation efforts,” he said.
The DPM credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and the Ministry of External Affairs for intensive diplomatic efforts and emphasized that Pakistan acted as an honest and impartial facilitator in the process.
“Much of the diplomacy remained behind the scenes because a mediator could not become a party to a dispute,” Dar said. “Pakistan has ensured peace and stability in the region through mediation efforts, and the nation is grateful for the respect earned in the process.”
Reiterating Pakistan’s position on the conflict involving Iran, Dar said Islamabad was among the first countries to condemn attacks on a “fraternal Islamic country”, adding that at the same time Islamabad had encouraged restraint and dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.
He said Pakistan had ranked among the world’s top 24 economies before it declined in subsequent years. “Pakistan’s next goal is to become an economic power,” he said, adding that the country has already emerged as a responsible nuclear and missile power.
He said the government had inherited difficult economic conditions but the country was now moving towards growth, development and public welfare. He maintained that the economic indicators were once again moving in a positive direction.
On the occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister congratulated devotees on the 983rd Ghusl Mubarak of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) and praised the ongoing expansion of the Data Darbar complex.
“Pakistan is moving towards growth, development and public welfare,” he said. Referring to the country’s economic challenges, Dar said the government inherited a broken economy and rebuilding it would take time.
“The four-year gap caused significant damage and of course it takes time to repair the damage. But the situation is now moving in a positive direction,” he added.
Discussing regional tensions, Dar said Pakistan strongly condemned the attack on Iran and remained actively engaged in diplomatic efforts.
He revealed that he had had more than 150 contacts with his colleagues, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif maintained regular communication with world leaders.
