Says a country once portrayed only through the lens of terrorism is now recognized as a ‘middle power’
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar addressing the media after the 983rd annual Ghusl Mubarak ceremony at Data Darbar. SCREEN GRAB
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday that Pakistan had emerged as a recognized “peacemaker” and “middle power” on the global stage, crediting the country’s recent role as a mediator in the US-Iran war for raising its international status.
Speaking to the media at the Data Darbar, FM Dar said that Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between rival countries had changed the perception of the country abroad.
“Today, Pakistan is recognized all over the world as a peacemaker,” he said. “A country once portrayed only through the lens of terrorism is now being recognized as a middle power and a cyber security provider.”
FM Dar said that people used to say that Pakistan was diplomatically isolated, whereas now Pakistan was making headlines across the world: “Countries that barely knew about Pakistan are now talking about it.”
He credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and the Foreign Office for what he described as intensive diplomatic efforts.
“The team captain is PM Shehbaz,” said FM Dar. “Along with him, Field Marshal Asim Munir and the Foreign Office worked tirelessly, day and night.”
Referring to Pakistan’s mediation efforts, FM Dar said that Islamabad had helped bring together two countries that had not held direct talks for decades, “Pakistan’s role was to facilitate honestly and impartially.”
He said extensive behind-the-scenes diplomacy had been carried out by the prime minister, the military leadership and diplomats, but much of it had not been made public because “a facilitator cannot become a party to the dispute”.
FM Dar also reiterated Pakistan’s position on the conflict involving Iran, saying 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.
“People now respect the Pakistani passport,” he said. “Pakistan’s image in the world is very different today.”
On domestic affairs, FM Dar said, “Allah enabled Pakistan to become a nuclear power and later a missile power. What is left now is for us to become an economic power,” he said.
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He credited former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for overseeing both the country’s 1998 nuclear tests and the development of its missile program, while praising Prime Minister Shehbaz’s efforts to stabilize the economy.
FM Dar said Pakistan had ranked among the world’s top 24 economies in 2017 before declining in subsequent years, but argued that economic indicators were once again moving in a positive direction.
“The country’s image has improved, stability has returned and Pakistan is heading towards growth and development,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister also congratulated devotees on the 983rd Ghusl Mubarak of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) and praised the ongoing expansion of the Data Darbar complex.
He described the current project as the shrine’s biggest expansion yet and credited Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Auqaf Department and their teams for the work.
Drawing a link between the expansion of religious places and national prosperity, FM Dar said investments in places of worship brought blessings and expressed confidence that Pakistan would continue to progress.
“When you come here, pray especially for Pakistan,” he said. “Pray that Allah makes Pakistan an economic power as He has made it a nuclear and missile power.”
