Islamabad:
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ishaq Dar, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintain strong relations with China and the United States, emphasizing that his association with Washington should not be seen through the lens of his narrow links with Beijing.
When addressing the Pakistani community in the Consulate General in New York, DAR highlighted the country’s diplomatic resurgence on the global stage, saying that Pakistan had emerged from a period of diplomatic isolation and was now witnessing signs of economic rebirth.
He asked the United Nations and the Islamic Cooperation Organization (OIC) to go beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to resolve long -standing conflicts, particularly Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir.
“These disputes are critical for global peace,” he said, emphasizing that the IIC, like the second largest multilateral body in the world, must go from a symbolic role to a decisive one. He reiterated Pakistan’s position that a solution of two states remained the only viable resolution for the Palestinian crisis.
Give the resolution of the UN Security Council 2788 a diplomatic victory for Pakistan. The resolution, unanimously adopted under the presidency of Pakistan, focuses on “strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of disputes.” On the relations between Pakistan and India, Dar expressed the will of Islamabad to participate in conversations if it is invited, stating that solving the problem of Kashmir could unlock regional development, tourism and investment. “Pakistan is ready for American mediation, but India’s consent is necessary,” he said.
“If the United States plays a proactive role, Kashmir’s dispute could be resolved,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the meeting. He welcomed the possibility of the visit of the president of the United States, Donald Trump, to Pakistan, but said that both countries would make any formal announcement.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to defend his regional sovereignty and stability, remembering the firm and resolved response of the country during the Bunyanum Marsoos operation that led to the fall of six Indian planes. He praised the unity demonstrated by the nation and the diaspora during that critical moment.
Rejecting India’s accusations against Pakistan, Dar declared that Lashkar-E-Taiba (Let) had already been dismantled, while the United States had not provided evidence against the so-called “TRF”: the attire that India had blamed the attack of the Pahalgama in April.
In the regional situation, it emphasized the scope of Pakistan to Afghanistan in order to improve regional connectivity through railway and commercial corridors to Central Asia. I expected Afghan soil not to be used for terrorism, pointing out the recent guarantees received from the Afghan authorities in that regard.
He also mentioned the diplomatic efforts of Pakistan to eliminate the hostilities of Iran-Israel. He said Iranian president would visit Pakistan soon. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the Pacific Agreement for Disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.
Economic recovery
Painting an optimistic perspective, Dar pointed out a strong decrease in inflation from 40% to 2.4% from January 2025, accrediting government policies and international participation. “Global credit rating agencies have recognized the improved macroeconomic perspective of Pakistan,” he said.
He described key government initiatives, particularly the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), designed to rationalize investment procedures and unlock opportunities in the priority sectors. He said Pakistan aspired to join the G-20.
He told the American Pakistani diaspora that the country had successfully completed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. He invited the diaspora to actively contribute to the development of Pakistan, particularly in investment, commerce, education and digital innovation.
The DPM assured the community that the government was actively working for an early resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights, including steps to restore routes to Europe and the United Kingdom, in line with the standards of compliance with international aviation.
Concluding his speech, giving reaffirmed the belief of Pakistan in diplomacy and dialogue, citing his presidency and efforts of the UN Security Council to promote the peaceful resolution of disputes. He also reiterated Pakistan’s impulse for the launch of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, imprisoned in the United States.
“Pakistan is no longer isolated: we have friends around the world,” he said, underlining the renewed global and economic resurgence of the nation under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
(With application entry)
