ISLAMABAD:
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State Senator Ishaq Dar on Thursday urged the international community and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to support peaceful resolution of core regional conflicts, stressing that the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute and India’s unilateral decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty on hold remained at the heart of South Asian instability.
Addressing the 33rd ARF Ministerial Meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister outlined eight key challenges threatening global and regional security, highlighting South Asian stability, the Gulf situation, Gaza, counter-terrorism, Afghanistan, Ukraine, the South China Sea and climate change.
Expressing deep concern over India’s unilateral decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty on hold, Dar warned that attempts to weaponize water resources violated international obligations and threatened the lives and livelihoods of 250 million people in Pakistan.
“We simply cannot afford to let this serious, provocative development go unaddressed. Let us all be architects of peace and stability and work together to address the challenges posed by arbitrary, illegal, unilateral actions,” he commented.
He called on the international community, especially ARF members, to address these arbitrary, illegal and unilateral actions and uphold international law.
Australia
Pakistan and Australia on Thursday noted with concern the recent escalations in the region and stressed that dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law remain essential to achieving lasting peace, stability and security.
The bilateral and regional ties were discussed at a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Australia’s Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum here.
The two leaders discussed Pakistan-Australia bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation, including through regular high-level engagement. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.
New Zealand
Pakistan and New Zealand reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation in several sectors, including trade, investment, sports and people-to-people exchanges.
The bilateral ties were discussed during a meeting between DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum here.
In the meeting, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations between Pakistan and New Zealand and emphasized on strengthening institutional links, regular engagement and high-level exchanges.
Besides exchanging views on regional and international developments, the two leaders agreed to remain in close contact.
Secretary of State Peters appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role during the recent US-Iran tensions and its efforts to promote dialogue, de-escalation and regional peace.
