ISLAMABAD:
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with both China and the United States, stressing that its partnership with Washington should not be seen through the lens of its close ties with Beijing.
Addressing the Pakistani community at the Consulate General in New York, Dar highlighted the country’s diplomatic resurgence on the global stage, saying Pakistan had emerged from a period of diplomatic isolation and was now witnessing signs of economic revival.
He called upon the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps toward resolving long-standing conflicts, particularly Palestine and the Jammu and Kashmir.
“These disputes are critical for global peace,” he said, stressing that the OIC, as the world’s second-largest multilateral body, must transition from a symbolic role to a decisive one. He reiterated Pakistan’s stance that a two-state solution remained the only viable resolution to the Palestinian crisis.
Dar termed the UN Security Council Resolution 2788 a diplomatic victory for Pakistan. The resolution, adopted unanimously under Pakistan’s presidency, focuses on “strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of disputes”. On Pakistan-India relations, Dar expressed Islamabad’s willingness to engage in talks if invited, stating that resolving the Kashmir issue could unlock regional development, tourism, and investment. “Pakistan is ready for US mediation, but India’s consent is necessary,” he said.
“If the US plays a proactive role, Kashmir dispute could be resolved,” the foreign minister told the gathering. He welcomed the possibility of US President Donald Trump’s visit to Pakistan, but said that any formal announcement would be made by both the countries.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and regional stability, recalling the country’s firm and resolute response during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos that led to the downing of six Indian aircraft. He praised the unity demonstrated by the nation and the diaspora during that critical moment.
Rejecting India’s allegations against Pakistan, Dar stated that the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) had already been dismantled, while the US had not provided evidence against the so-called “TRF” – the outfit India had blamed for the Pahalgam attack in April.
On regional situation, Dar emphasised Pakistan’s outreach to Afghanistan with a view to enhancing regional connectivity through rail and trade corridors to Central Asia. He hoped Afghan soil would not be used for terrorism, noting the recent assurances received from the Afghan authorities in that regard.
He also mentioned Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for de-escalating the Iran-Israel hostilities. He said the Iranian president would visit Pakistan soon. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.
Economic recovery
Painting an optimistic outlook, Dar noted a sharp decline in inflation from 40% to 2.4% as of January 2025, crediting government policies and international engagement. “The global credit rating agencies have acknowledged Pakistan’s improved macroeconomic outlook,” he said.
He outlined key government initiatives, particularly the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), designed to streamline investment procedures and unlock opportunities in priority sectors. He said that Pakistan aspired to join the G-20.
He told the Pakistani-American diaspora that the country had successfully completed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. He invited the diaspora to actively contribute to Pakistan’s development, particularly in investment, trade, education, and digital innovation.
The DPM assured the community that the government was actively working toward an early resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights, including steps toward restoring routes to Europe and the United Kingdom, in line with international aviation compliance standards.
Concluding his address, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s belief in diplomacy and dialogue, citing its UN Security Council presidency and efforts to promote peaceful dispute resolution. He also reiterated Pakistan’s push for the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, imprisoned in the US.
“Pakistan is no longer isolated — we have friends across the world,” Dar declared, underscoring the nation’s renewed global standing and economic resurgence under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership.
(WITH INPUT FROM APP)
