Islamabad:
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed Pakistan’s obligation to maintain strong relations with both China and the United States, emphasized that its partnership with Washington should not be seen through the lens of its close ties with Beijing.
Dar, who approached the Pakistani society at the Consulate General in New York, highlighted the country’s diplomatic resurgence on the global scene and said Pakistan had emerged from a period of diplomatic isolation and now witnessed signs of economic revival.
He urged the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps towards resolving many years of conflicts, especially Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir.
“These disputes are critical of global peace,” he said, stressing that OIC, as the world’s second largest multilateral body, has to change from a symbolic role to a crucial. He repeated Pakistan’s attitude that a two-state solution remained the only viable resolution to the Palestinian crisis.
DAR called the UN Security Council Resolution 2788 a diplomatic victory for Pakistan. The resolution adopted unanimously during Pakistan’s presidency focuses on “strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful solution of disputes”. At the relations on the Pakistan India, Dar Islamabad’s willingness to participate in conversations, if invited, expressed that solving the Kashmir issue could lock regional development, tourism and investment in regional development, tourism. “Pakistan is ready for American mediation, but India’s consent is needed,” he said.
“If the United States plays a proactive role, Kashmir could be resolved,” the Foreign Minister told the collection. He welcomed the possibility of US President Donald Trump’s visit to Pakistan, but said any formal announcement would be published by both countries.
He confirmed Pakistan’s decision to defend its sovereignty and regional stability and recalled the country’s fixed and decisive response during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, which led to the downturn of six Indian aircraft. He praised the unit demonstrated by the nation and the diaspora at the critical moment.
Dar, who rejected India’s accusations against Pakistan, declared that Lashkar-E-Taiba (easily) had already been settled, while the United States had not provided evidence against the so-called “TRF” outfit India was to blame for the Pahagam attack in April.
About regional situation, Dar Pakistan’s search for Afghanistan emphasized in order to improve regional connection through rail and trading corridors to Central Asia. He hoped that Afghan Earth would not be used for terrorism and noticed the recent insurance policies received from the Afghan authorities in that regard.
He also mentioned Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to step down the Iran-Israeli hostilities. He said the Iranian president would soon visit Pakistan. He repeated Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful solution of disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.
Economic recovery
Dar, who painted an optimistic view, noticed a sharp decline in inflation from 40% to 2.4% from January 2025, which credited government policies and international commitment. “The global credit rating agencies have recognized Pakistan’s improved macroeconomic views,” he said.
He outlined key government initiatives, especially Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), designed to streamline investment procedures and lock opportunities in priority sectors. He said Pakistan was striving to participate in the G-20.
He told the Pakistani -American Diaspora that the country had successfully completed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. He invited the diaspora to actively contribute to Pakistan’s development, especially in investment, trade, education and digital innovation.
DPM assured the community that the government was actively working towards an early resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights, including steps towards restoring routes to Europe and the UK, in line with international aviation standards.
When he completed his address, Dar Pakistan’s belief in diplomacy and dialogue confirmed with reference to the UN Security Council’s presidency and efforts to promote peaceful dispute resolution. He also repeated Pakistan’s push for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, jailed in the United States.
“Pakistan is no longer isolated – we have friends all over the world,” Dar declared, emphasizing the country’s renewed global status and economic resurgence under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership.
(With input from app)
