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, stressing that the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute and India’s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty remained at the heart of South Asia’s instability.
The Deputy Prime Minister, addressing the 33rd ARF Ministerial Meeting, outlined eight key challenges threatening global and regional security, highlighting the stability of South Asia, the Gulf situation, Gaza, the fight against terrorism, Afghanistan, Ukraine, the South China Sea and climate change.
Expressing deep concern over India’s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, Dar warned that the attempt to militarize 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 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 ARF, to combat these arbitrary, illegal and unilateral actions and respect international law.
Australia
Pakistan and Australia on Thursday noted with concern recent escalations in the region and stressed that dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law remain essential to achieving lasting peace, stability and security.
Bilateral and regional relations were discussed during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, 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 engagements. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.
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 DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum here.
During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations between Pakistan and New Zealand and highlighted strengthening institutional ties, regular engagement and high-level exchanges.
Besides exchanging views on regional and international developments, the two leaders agreed to stay 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.
