Describes the issue of participation in the proposed International Stabilisation Force as ‘highly sensitive’
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar addresses a press briefing in Islamabad on Friday to review Pakistan’s diplomatic performance in 2025. SCREENGRAB
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday reiterated that Pakistan is willing to join international force aimed at restoring peace in Gaza, provided its mandate does not include disarming Hamas.
Addressing a press briefing in Islamabad, organised to review Pakistan’s diplomatic performance in 2025, Dar described the issue of participation in the proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) as ‘highly sensitive’.
“That is why we have consistently used the term peacekeeping, not the peace enforcement, at all forums at New York, Istanbul, and in the country,” he said.
He added: “I have made it very clear that Pakistan will happily be the part of it if the mandate does not involve peace enforcement or the disarming of Hamas. This is the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority or whichever government is in place. Our role will be limited to supporting them in maintaining peace.”
The Gaza peace agreement, brokered with US mediation, envisages the establishment of the ISF, which would primarily comprise troops from Muslim-majority countries.
Global standing and foreign policy priorities
Reviewing the annual performance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar said Pakistan, once viewed as ‘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 acknowledged on international platforms,” he said, adding that these positions 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 being recognised,” he added.
Referring to regional security, Dar cited the four-day confrontation with India, stating, “New Delhi attempted 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 Foreign Affairs remained active and our national defence is now strong and resilient. Pakistan demonstrated responsibility during Indian aggression, as we have always advocated peace.”
He also highlighted Pakistan’s defence capabilities, saying, “Our nuclear and missile strength has made the country’s defence virtually invincible.”
Dar emphasised the government’s focus on economic growth, adding, “Our attention 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 multiple projects like Reko Diq.”
Referring to the recent visit of the UAE president, he said, “The UAE will acquire shares in a military group, which is expected to settle $1 billion in dues, while a $2 billion loan repayment period may also be extended.” He thanked Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and China for supporting Pakistan’s financial stability.
On 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. At the UN Security Council meetings, human rights violations were discussed, and according to the Council’s resolutions, a referendum with Kashmiri participation remains the only 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 UN, and reports support our position.”
He cited improving relations with Bangladesh as ‘significant progress’, detailing meetings with government officials and political and student groups during his visits. “A climate of goodwill has been created, and relations will strengthen further after the February elections,” he added.
Discussing Pakistan-US relations, Dar said, “Our ties have experienced highs and lows. During the Biden administration, relations were limited, but the current administration has moved trade, investment, and bilateral relations in a positive direction, with strong counter-terrorism cooperation.” He praised the Trump administration for its role in mediating 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 the lowest in South Asia.”
DPM highlighted Pakistan’s engagement with Turkey, OIC member states, China, the EU, ASEAN, the UN, SCO, and Russia, where multiple agreements on economic, defence, and investment cooperation were signed. He underscored Pakistan’s principled stance in promoting peace in Gaza and resolving the Palestine issue, saying, “Dialogue, engagement, regional stability, economic cooperation, and the 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, involving death threats, which are completely unacceptable. The British government must act to prevent such incidents, and issuing a demarche was the correct step.”
He also expressed concern over terrorism emanating from Afghan territory. “Taliban government’s response has been unsatisfactory, and concrete action against militants is not being taken.” He concluded by noting, “India remains the only country obstructing SAARC’s effective role, which is regrettable.”
