ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called upon the international community to continue to support dialogue, diplomacy, and constructive engagement to help achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East region and beyond.
Addressing the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Manila, Philippines on Thursday, Deputy PM Dar said Pakistan remains committed to making every effort to establish peace and stability in the region.
“We urge all parties to exercise restraint, uphold their commitments, and pursue peaceful engagement,” Dar said.
Deputy PM Dar added Islamabad remains hopeful that these efforts will contribute to regional stability, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the resumption of normal shipping.
Pakistan’s top diplomat said the unfortunate developments in the Gulf region have seriously impacted all of our countries. “Therefore, Pakistan did everything within its capacity to help restore peace and stability in the region, and continues to do so,” the Deputy PM stated.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 attended the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Manila today. He congratulated the Philippines on its successful Chairship of ASEAN and the ARF. The DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s… pic.twitter.com/2Mk7LbMsgy
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 23, 2026
He further said Pakistan played its role in facilitating the ceasefire, convening the Islamabad Talks at the leadership level between the two countries after 47 years, followed by the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding in Burgenstock.
“We deeply appreciate the confidence entrusted in Pakistan by the United States, Iran, Gulf countries, and all our friends to steer these efforts,” Dar said.
He was of the view that these hard-earned achievements through dialogue and diplomacy have created a valuable opportunity to advance lasting peace. “We must not let this opportunity slip through our hands,” he said.
Kashmir dispute heart of South Asia instability
Ishaq Dar emphasised that the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute and India’s unilateral decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remained at the heart of South Asian instability.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advocating for a just and peaceful settlement in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions, and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Dar told the meeting that the failure to resolve long-standing disputes, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan, accelerated serious regional stability issues.
Video of the statement by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 at the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting, Manila, Philippines (23 July 2026) pic.twitter.com/DT2Ax8tcTT
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 23, 2026
Expressing deep concern over India’s unilateral decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, Dar warned that attempting to weaponise water resources violated international obligations and threatened the lives and livelihoods of 240 million people in Pakistan.
“We simply cannot afford to let this serious, provocative development remain unaddressed. Let us all be the architects of peace and stability and work together to address the challenges posed by arbitrary, illegal, unilateral actions,” he commented.
He urged the international community, particularly ARF members, to address these arbitrary, illegal, and unilateral actions and uphold international law.
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Humanitarian situation in Occupied Palestine remains alarming
Ishaq Dar said the humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly Gaza, remains deeply alarming. “Our collective failure to prevent the genocidal streak unleashed in Gaza raises serious questions about our collective conscience as human beings and about our ability to prevent the continued atrocities in the region,” he added.
He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and for the establishment of an independent, sovereign, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Terrorism remains a common threat
The Deputy Prime Minister said terrorism remains a common threat and challenge for all of us in varying degrees. Pakistan has been at the frontline of the global fight against terrorism. “No country outside active conflict zones has made sacrifices comparable to Pakistan. We have paid an enormous price in this fight with over 80,000 precious lives and colossal economic losses,” Dar stated
He added Pakistan continues to confront terrorist threats, including those originating from across our borders and supported by both non-state actors and state sponsors.
“Our comprehensive counterterrorism strategy combines kinetic operations with educational reform, institutional resilience, as well as enhanced cooperation to address the evolving cyber dimension of terrorism,” said the top diplomat.
He said Pakistan, despite all odds, is determined to fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
“This is a long-term commitment that requires sustained national efforts and enhanced international cooperation. We see it as a fight for the safety and security of our own state, as well as for greater peace and stability of the world amounting to over US$ 150 billion,” he stated
Terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil pose serious threat
He added the threat posed by terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil continues to pose a serious security challenge facing our region.
“Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)/Fitna-al-Hindustan and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)/Fitna-e- Khawarij continue to exploit Afghan territory to launch attacks against Pakistan,” Ishaq Dar told the forum.
He urged the Afghan Taliban regime to ensure its territory is not exploited by terrorist groups, including TTP (Fitna Al-Khawarij) and affiliated factions, against neighbouring states, emphasising that honouring these commitments would unlock vast trade and connectivity opportunities across South and Central Asia.
“I also urge ARF members to support efforts aimed at ensuring that Afghan territory is not used to threaten regional peace and security,” he said.
Pakistan reiterates commitment to One-China Principle
Dar reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to the One-China Principle, recognising the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate authority over Taiwan.
He added Islamabad supports the peaceful settlement of all disputes in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
“We value our ties with all Asia-Pacific states and urge that these disputes be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect,” he said.
Dar also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on other global priorities, Dar reiterated support for diplomatic resolutions in Ukraine and the South China Sea while reaffirming Pakistan’s firm adherence to the One-China policy.
