Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ishaq Dar, said Pakistan has emerged from diplomatic isolation and attended an economic recovery, highlighting a sharp drop in inflation and growing international engagement.
Addressing the Pakistanity community of the New York Consulate General on Saturday, Dar said: “We have made considerable progress, especially in the political and economic fields, in the past three years, despite chances – we are indeed a resilient nation.”
Dar, who returned earlier in Washington, said that his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was held in a cordial atmosphere and covered the main global and regional issues. “The meeting went very well,” he said, expressing the hope of stronger bilateral ties.
Pakistan ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, permanent representative of the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, and consul Aamir Ahmed Atozai.
DAR told the public that Pakistan was no longer isolated and now enjoyed the support of many nations, as evidenced by recent high-level meetings with officials from China, United States and others. He underlined the reduction in inflation from 40% to 2.4% in January 2025 as proof of government efficiency.
The DPM / FM said that investors’ confidence had returned following the successful conclusion of the IMF program, a recovery recognized by international credit agencies. He reaffirmed the government’s ambition to join the G20.
Dar credited the chief of PML-N Nawaz Sharif for having managed the federal governments and the Punjab, qualifying him as a competent statesman. He also informed the Community of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which aims to facilitate investment in the key sectors.
He announced that work was underway to resume PIA flights to New York, after the restoration of roads to Europe and the United Kingdom.
Appreciating the role of the American Pakistani community, Dar recognized their contributions to Pakistan and the United States, renting their unit during the past tensions with India.
He told the check for six Indian planes by Pakistan Air Force and praised the direction of the chief of the staff of the army, Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
DAR noted the presidency of Pakistan of the United Nations Security Council – ensured the support of 182 countries – and the unanimous adoption of a resolution sponsored by Pakistan on the peaceful settlement of disputes.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to diplomacy, peaceful regional ties and its awareness of Afghanistan for commercial and rail connectivity, while expecting the Afghan soil not used for terrorism.
On the incarceration of Aafia Siddiqui, he said that efforts for his release continued through diplomatic channels.
Ambassador Sheikh also addressed the community, noting the improved world image of Pakistan following the role of the armed forces in national defense. He urged the diaspora to invest in Pakistan, saying that a strong economy is vital for national security.
