Pakistan's global standing improved due to effective diplomacy, says DPM Dar

Islamabad (Web Desk): Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan’s international reputation has strengthened over the past year, crediting the country’s proactive and principled diplomacy for the achievement.

Speaking at a year-end briefing in Islamabad, he said Pakistan’s foreign policy efforts were focused on delivering tangible results, enhancing its standing on the global stage.

Reflecting on developments in South Asia, Ishaq Dar highlighted Pakistan’s decisive response during the four-day conflict with India, which he said sent a clear signal worldwide and challenged India’s claim of being the region’s primary security provider.

DPM Dar emphasized that Pakistan never sought a ceasefire and successfully countered Indian aggression, shooting down seven fighter jets and neutralizing nearly all incoming drones.

Speaking about the long-standing Jammu and Kashmir issue, the deputy prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to raising the matter at all international forums. He stressed that sustainable peace in the region hinges on a just resolution of the dispute, which, he said, should be carried out through a UN-supervised plebiscite reflecting the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Turning to bilateral relations in South Asia, Ishaq Dar described Pakistan’s ties with Bangladesh as positive, recalling the warm reception he received during his recent visit to Dhaka. He added that relations with Sri Lanka and Nepal are also steadily improving.

On the Middle East, he said Pakistan maintains cordial relations with all Gulf nations, noting the consistent support of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates during challenging times.

He highlighted a strategic mutual defence agreement recently signed with Saudi Arabia, illustrating the strong bond between the two countries, and mentioned that Türkiye continues to hold a special place in Pakistan’s foreign policy.

Speaking about engagement with the United States and the European Union, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan has focused on converting challenges into opportunities.

DPM Dar noted that Islamabad is actively collaborating with Washington in trade, investment, and counterterrorism, and pointed out that bilateral trade has now crossed $13 billion, signaling positive economic ties.

He also mentioned Pakistan’s involvement alongside other Muslim nations in discussions with former US President Donald Trump on the Palestine issue, particularly the crisis in Gaza

DPM Dar said that Pakistan is also working closely with the European Union and expressed hope for the continuation of the GSP Plus trade status. Regarding Central Asia, he said the country is pursuing stronger engagement with states in the region, recognizing their potential for trade, connectivity, transport, and energy collaboration.

On relations with China, Ishaq Dar described the partnership as exemplary, calling the two nations “iron brothers” and highlighting the growing cooperation across multiple sectors.

He also underscored Pakistan’s active role in multilateral organizations, including the UN, OIC, ECO, and SCO, and announced that Pakistan will host the ECO and SCO summits in 2027.

The deputy prime minister stressed that while Pakistan is already a nuclear and missile power, it is now imperative to transform the nation into a strong economic force.

He highlighted the importance of utilizing the country’s abundant natural resources, including hydrocarbons, to drive economic growth, and noted strong international interest, including from the United States, Saudi Arabia, and China, in Reko Diq and other mineral projects.

Responding to a question about Afghanistan, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan’s primary demand is that Afghan territory should not be used for hostile activities against the country.