Tianjin, China (Web Desk): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast dedication to regional stability, multilateral cooperation, and the peaceful resolution of disputes during his speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in Tianjin on Tuesday.
Addressing the high-level forum, Dar highlighted the SCO's importance as a source of stability amid significant geopolitical challenges. He commended China’s leadership in advancing the organization’s objectives and welcomed Belarus as its newest full member.
DPM Dar strongly condemned Israel’s military operations in Gaza, describing them as a “reckless disregard for international norms” that has caused a severe humanitarian crisis.
He called for an immediate ceasefire and reiterated Pakistan’s endorsement of a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem serving as the capital of Palestine. The foreign minister also condemned recent attacks on Iran, including US strikes targeting nuclear facilities, labeling such actions against SCO member states as “unacceptable.”
Expressing concern over rising tensions in South Asia, Dar referred to the Pahalgam attack allegations that nearly pushed Pakistan and a neighboring nuclear-armed country to the edge of conflict.
He stressed that conflicts must be settled through dialogue rather than coercion and urged the initiation of structured discussions to address long-standing issues.
“Pakistan remains committed to ceasefire agreements and regional stability, but we cannot accept the normalization of arbitrary force,” he asserted.
Dar proposed reforms within the SCO framework, including the adoption of English as a third official language and strengthening the Secretariat's capabilities.
He also called for enhanced economic cooperation by promoting the use of national currencies to cushion against global financial shocks and supported the establishment of an alternative funding mechanism for development projects.
FM Dar highlighted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a crucial initiative under the Belt and Road framework, essential for fostering regional connectivity and shared prosperity.
The deputy prime minister urged renewed engagement with Afghanistan via the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group and emphasized a unified regional stance against terrorism, condemning its exploitation for political purposes. He also pointed to climate change as an urgent challenge demanding collective action.
DPM Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the “Shanghai Spirit” of mutual trust and cooperation, urging all member states to pursue a future characterized not by confrontation but by collaboration.
Earlier in the day, FM Dar also held a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the SCO CFM meeting in Tianjin.
The two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors and exchanged perspectives on the evolving regional dynamics following recent Israeli aggression against Iran.
DPM Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Iranian people and government and reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to regional peace and stability.
He emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy must remain the only effective path for de-escalation and the achievement of lasting peace in the region.