Brussels (Web Desk): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, at the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum Roundtable in Brussels on Friday, outlined Pakistan’s vision for regional security, emphasizing dialogue, connectivity, and peaceful dispute resolution as key pillars for stability.
Addressing the forum, DPM Dar highlighted that the world is facing a host of complex challenges, including escalating conflicts, foreign occupations, intensifying rivalries among major powers, a renewed arms race, and the growing militarization of cyber and space domains.
He also pointed to economic and humanitarian pressures such as trade wars, food shortages, rising inflation, widening inequalities, energy disruptions, and the increasing impact of climate change, warning that these factors together threaten global stability.
Stressing the need for cooperation, the deputy premier said that these issues require leadership and dialogue rather than confrontation, calling for a reinvigorated commitment to multilateralism, adherence to the United Nations (UN) Charter, and collective global action.
He praised efforts like China’s Global Governance Initiative as constructive approaches to strengthening international governance.
Turning to regional dynamics, Dar noted that despite Pakistan’s consistent efforts for peace, certain countries have sought to escalate tensions by spreading accusations, using inflammatory rhetoric, and generating war hysteria to justify unilateral actions.
He specifically criticized India’s response to the Pahalgam incident, labeling New Delhi’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as a serious threat to regional stability. “Water should be a bridge for cooperation, not a tool for political leverage,” he remarked.
On Kashmir, DPM Dar reiterated Pakistan’s stance that a just and lasting peace in South Asia is unattainable without a fair settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue, aligned with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Regarding Afghanistan, Ishaq Dar emphasized its central role in Pakistan’s regional strategy, expressing Islamabad’s hope for a peaceful, stable, connected, and prosperous neighbor.
DPM Dar urged the Taliban authorities to act responsibly, fulfill their commitments, and prevent terrorist activities emanating from Afghan soil.