ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that the South Asian country has successfully averted the threat of economic default, with the economy now stabilised and the government aiming to join the G20 bloc of nations.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that Pakistan is experiencing a significant positive boost in its standing on the world stage, maintaining that the country is witnessing economic revival. Dar claimed that if the previous PTI administration had continued for six more months, Pakistan would have defaulted.
Speaking to members of the Pakistani community at the Pakistan Consulate in New York on Saturday, Dar described the current phase as one of economic revival and international re-engagement. He credited recent reforms and diplomatic outreach for restoring global confidence in Pakistan’s economy.
“We have made considerable progress, especially in political and economic fields, in the past three years, despite heavy odds – we are indeed a resilient nation,” Dar said.
Pakistan, US ties
The Deputy PM said that his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday was held in a cordial atmosphere.
“The meeting went very well. We discussed key global and regional issues”, Dar said, hoping that US-Pakistan ties would strengthen further.
Dar asserted that Pakistan is no longer isolated and enjoys numerous friends within the international community.
This is evidenced by recent high-level meetings with officials from China, the United States, and several other countries that focused on economic and strategic ties.
The Deputy PM painted an optimistic picture of Pakistan’s economic trajectory, noting a significant drop in inflation from 40 percent to 2.4 percent as of January 2025. He said that the steep drop in inflation is evidence of effective government policies and robust diplomatic efforts.
Noting Pakistan’s ongoing economic recovery, Dar cited the successful completion of the IMF programme, reduced inflation, and restored investor confidence, a fact the global credit rating agencies have acknowledged.
The Deputy PM reiterated the government’s aspiration for Pakistan to join the ranks of the G20 bloc.
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Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, Engages with Pakistani-American Community in New York.
🔗⬇️https://t.co/RBFb0gdk2B pic.twitter.com/xkHfjLWivd
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 27, 2025
‘Pakistan to defend sovereignty’
The Deputy PM reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and regional stability.
Dar drew loud applause when he narrated the events of the standoff, including Pakistan Air Force’s shooting down of six Indian aircraft, leading up to the ceasefire and the nation’s unity in support of the armed forces.
He recalled the country’s firm and resolute response during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos that led to the downing of six Indian aircraft, praising the unity demonstrated by the nation and the diaspora during this critical moment.
He appreciated the solidarity and support extended by Pakistani-Americans during the recent tensions with India and their constructive role in amplifying the voice of the Kashmiri people.
Pakistan launched its retaliatory operation ‘Bunyan-um-Marsoos’ against India after the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours clashed in May. After India launched a series of strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’, Pakistan’s military swiftly responded and downed 6 Indian jets before a ceasefire came into effect following US mediation.
The Deputy PM highly praised the leadership of the country’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, in dealing with that crisis.
Investors’ facilitation through SIFC
Highlighting key government initiatives, the Deputy Prime Minister briefed the community on the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which streamlines investment procedures across priority sectors.
Dar said that the government is actively working toward the early resumption of PIA flights to New York, after restoring routes to Europe and the United Kingdom.
The Deputy PM expressed appreciation for the contributions of the Pakistani-American community to both Pakistan and the United States, acknowledging their vital role in strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing Pakistan’s global image.
Pakistan’s active engagement on multilateral front
The Deputy PM also highlighted Pakistan’s active engagement on the multilateral front, particularly its current presidency of the United Nations Security Council, secured with the support of 182 countries, reflecting the international community’s confidence in Pakistan’s principled diplomacy.
He especially referred to the unanimous adoption of the Pakistan-sponsored resolution calling for the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Referring to regional developments, Dar underscored Pakistan’s outreach to Afghanistan with a view to enhancing regional connectivity through trade and rail corridors to Central Asia.
The Deputy PM emphasised Pakistan’s expectation that Afghan soil will not be used for terrorism, and noted assurances received from Afghan authorities.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism, sharing that during a visit to Afghanistan, Pakistan urged Afghan authorities not to allow their soil to be used against Pakistan.
“We want Afghanistan’s prosperity and stability,” Dar said.
Touching on global issues, Dar stressed Pakistan’s dedication to peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty, and its clear stance on the Palestine issue, advocating a two‑state solution.
Ishaq Dar said that utmost efforts were made for the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, and no one should think that the government did not make efforts for her freedom.
He said that Dr Aafia is the daughter of Pakistan and no one should have any misunderstanding in this regard.
The Deputy PM said Pakistan will continue to work for the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, who is incarcerated in an American prison, citing a series of steps already taken in this regard.
