Islamabad:
The Darrier of Foreign Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintain solid relations with China and the United States, stressing that his partnership with Washington should not be seen through the objective of its close ties with Beijing.
Addressing the Pakistani community of the New York Consulate General, Dar underlined the country’s diplomatic resurgence on the world scene, affirming that Pakistan was emerged from a period of diplomatic isolation and was now witness to signs of economic rebirth.
He called on the United Nations and the Islamic Cooperation Organization (OCI) to go beyond rhetoric and take concrete measures to resolve long-standing conflicts, in particular Palestine and Jammu-et-Cachemire.
“These disputes are essential for world peace,” he said, stressing that the OIC, as the second multilateral body in the world, must move from a symbolic role to a decisive role. He reiterated the position of Pakistan that a two -state solution remained the only viable resolution for the Palestinian crisis.
DAR called the United Nations Security Council resolution 2788 A diplomatic victory for Pakistan. The resolution, adopted unanimously under the chairmanship of Pakistan, focuses on “strengthening the mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of disputes”. On Pakistani-Indian relations, Dar expressed Islamabad’s desire to engage in talks if it is invited, declaring that the resolution of the cashmere question 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, the cashmere dispute could be resolved,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs told the rally. He praised the possibility that the visit of American president Donald Trump in Pakistan, but said that any official announcement would be made by the two countries.
He reaffirmed the determination of Pakistan to defend his sovereignty and regional stability, recalling the firm and resolved response of the country during the Bunyanum Masoos operation which led to the drop in six Indian planes. He praised the unity demonstrated by the nation and the diaspora during this critical moment.
Rejecting India’s allegations against Pakistan, Dar said that Lashkar-E-Taiba (Let) had already been dismantled, while the United States had not provided evidence against the so-called “TRF”-the outfit that India had blamed Pahalgame’s attack in April.
In the regional situation, DAR underlined the awareness of Pakistan in Afghanistan in order to improve regional connectivity through railway corridors to Central Asia. He hoped that Afghan soil would not be used for terrorism, noting the recent insurances received from the Afghan authorities in this regard.
He also mentioned Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to defuse Iran-Israeli hostilities. He said that the Iranian president would soon visit Pakistan. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, including Jammu-et-Cachemire and Palestine.
Economic recovery
By painting an optimistic perspective, DAR noted a sharp drop in inflation of 40% to 2.4% in January 2025, crediting government policies and international engagement. “Global credit rating agencies have recognized the improvement of Pakistan’s macroeconomic perspectives,” he said.
He described the main government initiatives, in particular 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 Pakistani-American diaspora that the country had succeeded in the program of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He invited the diaspora to actively contribute to the development of Pakistan, in particular in investment, trade, education and digital innovation.
The DPM assured the community that the government was actively working on an early recovery of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights, including stages towards the restoration of routes to Europe and the United Kingdom, in accordance with international standards for aviation.
By concluding his speech, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s belief in diplomacy and dialogue, citing his presidency of the United Nations Security Council and its efforts to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes. He also reiterated Pakistan’s push for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, imprisoned in the United States.
“Pakistan is no longer isolated – we have friends around the world,” said Dar, stressing the renewal of resurgence and the country’s global economic resurgence under the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
(With application input)
