ISLAMABAD:
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Thursday called on the international community and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to support a peaceful resolution of major regional conflicts, emphasizing that the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute and India’s unilateral decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty on hold remain at the heart of South Asia’s instability.
The Deputy Prime Minister, addressing the 33rd FRA Ministerial Meeting, outlined eight key challenges that threaten global and regional security, highlighting the stability of South Asia, the situation in the Gulf, Gaza, counterterrorism, Afghanistan, Ukraine, the South China Sea and climate change.
Expressing deep concern over India’s unilateral decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty on hold, Dar warned that attempting to weaponize water resources violated international obligations and threatened the lives and livelihoods of 250 million people in Pakistan.
“We simply cannot afford to let this serious and provocative development go unaddressed. Let us all be the architects of peace and stability and work together to address the challenges posed by arbitrary, illegal and unilateral actions,” he commented.
He urged the international community, particularly members of the FRA, to address these arbitrary, illegal and unilateral actions and uphold international law.
Australia
Pakistan and Australia on Thursday noted with concern the recent escalations in the region and stressed that dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law remained essential to achieving lasting peace, stability and security.
Bilateral and regional ties were discussed at a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum.
The two leaders discussed bilateral relations between Pakistan and Australia and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation, including through regular high-level engagement. They also exchanged opinions on regional and international events.
New Zealand
Pakistan and New Zealand reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors, including trade, investment, sports and people-to-people exchanges.
Bilateral relations were discussed during a meeting between MP/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum.
In the meeting, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations between Pakistan and New Zealand and emphasized enhancing institutional ties, regular engagement and high-level exchanges.
In addition to exchanging views on regional and international developments, the two leaders agreed to remain in close contact.
Foreign Minister Peters appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role during the recent US-Iran tensions and its efforts to promote dialogue, de-escalation and regional peace.
