LAHORE:
Pakistan is increasingly being recognized as a global “peacemaker” and an emerging “middle power”, following its mediation role in ending the US-Iran war, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday.
Speaking to the media at Data Darbar in Lahore, Dar said the country’s role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran has improved its international standing and diplomatic profile and positively transformed global perceptions of the country.
He said Pakistan was once described as a diplomatically isolated country but was now recognized across the world for its constructive role in promoting peace and stability. “Today, Pakistan is being recognized around the world as a peacemaker,” he said.
“Pakistan is now recognized as a middle power and online security provider. Countries that previously knew little about Pakistan are now taking note of our diplomatic engagement and mediation efforts,” he said.
The DPM credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and the Ministry of External Affairs for their intensive diplomatic efforts, highlighting that Pakistan acted as an honest and impartial facilitator in the process.
“Much of the diplomacy remained behind the scenes because a mediator could not become a party to a dispute,” Dar said. “Pakistan has ensured peace and stability in the region through mediation efforts and the nation is grateful for the respect earned during the process.”
Dar reiterated Pakistan’s position on the conflict involving Iran, saying Islamabad was one of the first countries to condemn attacks on a “brotherly Islamic country”, adding that Islamabad had simultaneously encouraged moderation and dialogue to avoid further bloodshed.
He said Pakistan had ranked among the world’s top 24 economies before falling in subsequent years. “Pakistan’s next goal is to become an economic power,” he said, adding that the country has already become a responsible nuclear and missile power.
He said the government had inherited difficult economic conditions but the country was now moving towards growth, development and public welfare. He maintained that economic indicators were once again moving in a positive direction.
On the occasion, the deputy prime minister congratulated devotees on the 983rd Ghusl Mubarak of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) and praised the ongoing expansion of the Data Darbar complex.
“Pakistan is moving towards growth, development and public welfare,” he said. Referring to the country’s economic challenges, Dar said the government inherited a damaged economy and rebuilding it would take time.
“The four-year gap has caused significant destruction and naturally it takes time to repair the damage. However, the situation is now moving in a positive direction,” he added.
Discussing regional tensions, Dar said Pakistan strongly condemned the attack on Iran and continued to actively participate in diplomatic efforts.
He revealed that he had maintained more than 150 contacts with his counterparts, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was in regular communication with world leaders.
