Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar categorically denied reports of a meeting between PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and PTI founder Imran Khan, calling them baseless and part of a “sponsored narrative” aimed at creating political confusion.
“These are baseless speculations—it could be someone’s wish list. We don’t need to approach anyone,” Dar said.
Speaking to reporters at Data Darbar on Saturday, Dar noted that the current government was initially formed with the critical support of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
“When we started, our numbers were incomplete without them. Now that we have a simple majority, there’s no difficulty—but we will continue cooperating with the PPP even more than before,” he added.
In response to a question about offering ministries to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Deputy Prime Minister said that the PPP had made no such request. “They are our allies and will remain so. We have an excellent working relationship, and they have extended full support to us,” he said. “Those who stand by you in difficult times are not abandoned when things get better.”
Dar noted that both parties had signed a formal agreement, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif representing the PML-N and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari signing on behalf of the PPP. “That agreement is a sacred document for us, and we are fully committed to its implementation.”
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DPM reaffirmed the government’s openness to engaging with all political parties, saying it was prepared to work across the aisle in the national interest. “When Pakistan was under threat, we engaged not just with coalition partners, but also the opposition. The result was a unified message heard around the world.”
Discussing the economic outlook, Dar said the country had narrowly avoided default in April 2022 when the PDM government took office. “Had that change not happened, we might have defaulted. Yes, we paid a political price — but it stabilised the economy. Today, our reserves stand at $14.5 billion as of June 30.”
He credited PM Shehbaz efforts for key economic gains, including the reduction of interest rates from 22% to 11% and improvements in per capita income.
Dar, who also holds the designation of foreign minister, highlighted a diplomatic breakthrough with the United Arab Emirates, where he met Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed on June 24. “This was the first meeting of the bilateral economic commission in 12 years. We resolved longstanding visa issues, and talks are underway to include blue passport holders as well.”
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On Pakistan’s ties with Iran, Dar said Tehran now sees Islamabad as a sincere ally. “We condemned Israeli aggression against Iran and extended full diplomatic support to a brotherly country,” he said.
Touching on defence and regional matters, Dar said Pakistan had responded firmly to Indian hostility in the past. “India started the war, and we shot down six of their fighter jets. We stood our ground and defeated a much larger enemy,” he said.
While the ceasefire along the Line of Control was holding, Dar acknowledged that tensions could always escalate. “India’s war rhetoric seems driven by domestic compulsions. We remain alert — we’ve handled such situations before and will continue to do so.”
On domestic governance, Dar said corruption must be tackled across all provinces, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, through due legal process. “Accountability should be uniform,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, the deputy premier said extensive arrangements had been made for the annual urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh, adding that Sufi teachings continue to inspire peace and unity. “We’re ensuring all possible facilities for visitors at the shrine,” he said.
