Islamabad – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar presented a detailed position on Pakistan’s foreign policy, regional security, recent tensions with India, relations with Afghanistan, and Pakistan’s role in global forums in the annual closing briefing.
Hosting two global summits in 2027
Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan will host two important summits in 2027, including the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summits. He said that this is an expression of confidence in Pakistan’s global diplomatic position.
Progress on Afghanistan
Ishaq Dar welcomed the resolution passed by Afghan scholars opposing fighting outside Afghanistan and the statement of Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, which assured that Afghan soil would not be used against other countries.
He said that this is what Pakistan wants. He said that Pakistan has allowed the United Nations and its subsidiary bodies to deliver humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s position on the International Stabilization Force
The Foreign Minister clarified that Pakistan would be willing to join the International Stabilization Force only if its mandate is limited to maintaining peace.
He said that Pakistan would not become part of any force whose aim is to enforce peace or disarm Hamas; however, Pakistan is ready to play a role in the peacekeeping mission.
Relations with China and the US
Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan’s relations with China are independent and autonomous from its relations with the US. According to him, China-Pakistan relations are ideal and exemplary in nature, and this partnership is not against any third country.
Details of the May tension with India
The Foreign Minister revealed that after the escalation of tensions by India, Pakistan had decided to retaliate on the night of May 9, which the Prime Minister had authorized from 4 am to 8 am on May 10. He said that at around 8:17 am, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio contacted and said that India was ready for a ceasefire. To this, Pakistan replied that it never wanted war.
He said that Allah has given Pakistan great acceptance in the international community. In the Indo-Pakistan war, the armed forces crushed India’s pride. Pakistan’s performance was tested in this four-day conflict.
Air clash and denial of the Indian narrative
Ishaq Dar said that the impression of India declaring itself as a net security provider in the region was destroyed by Pakistan’s effective response. He said that Pakistan did not request mediation from anyone. In the air clashes of May 6 and 7, Pakistan shot down 7 Indian warplanes.
Response to Indian drone attacks
According to the Foreign Minister, out of 80 drones fired by India during the four-day tension in May, Pakistan disabled 79. Only one drone reached a military installation, causing limited damage and a few injuries. He clarified that Pakistan did not beg for any kind of reconciliation during this time.
US President’s confession
The Deputy Prime Minister said that the US President has told the world more than 60 times about Pakistan’s victory. Our trade with the US has reached $13.28 billion, we have a trade surplus, our anti-terrorism cooperation with the US has increased, and the US has declared BLA and Majeed Brigade as global terrorist organizations this year.
Position on the Kashmir issue
The Foreign Minister said that the UN Security Council discussed human rights violations in Kashmir, and this issue will be resolved through the right of the Kashmiri people to have a referendum.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar further said that sustainable peace cannot be established in the region until the Kashmir issue is resolved. India made baseless allegations against Pakistan over the Pahalgam incident.
Saudi Arabia’s mediation confession
The Foreign Minister also officially confirmed Saudi Arabia’s long-standing behind-the-scenes mediation role to reduce Pak-Afghan tensions. According to him, the talks with the Taliban in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey could not reach any final conclusion.
Bangladesh visit
He said that the biggest development this year was related to Bangladesh. Eleven to twelve years ago, Hina Rabbani Khar went to Bangladesh to extend an invitation. At that time, the Bangladeshi government was anti-Pakistan.
Ishaq Dar said that my visit to Bangladesh this year was quite positive. I met all the parties in Bangladesh; I went to the house of Khaleda Zia and the head of Jamaat-e-Islami and had meetings. Elections are being held in Bangladesh in February. They will be engaged after the elections.
UAE-Pakistan relations
Ishaq Dar said that the visit of the UAE President to Pakistan is welcome. There were discussions on cooperation in various fields including bilateral trade, investment, energy and development. The visit will be helpful in increasing cooperation in various fields.
He said that the UAE is ready for a rollover of $2 billion in January, while there will also be investment for the remaining $2 billion.
UAE and Fauji Foundation Partnership
The Deputy Prime Minister said that the UAE President had promised the Prime Minister to visit Pakistan this year. The UAE President’s visit to Pakistan was welcomed and bilateral trade, investment, and energy sectors were discussed.
Ishaq Dar said that he is grateful for the cooperation of the UAE, the UAE will take some shares of the Fauji Foundation, and this liability will end. The rollover of 2 billion in January was also discussed, and efforts will be made to invest in Pakistan with it. The UAE had given 3 billion dollars.
Closing statement
Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan will not compromise on its sovereignty, regional peace, and national interests, but will continue its efforts for stability in the region and a diplomatic solution.
