Brussels, Nov 21 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday called for strengthened multilateralism, inclusive cooperation and renewed global dialogue.
Addressing the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum Roundtable here, Senator Dar warned that the world stood “at a pivotal moment,” facing rising conflicts, great-power rivalries, economic disruptions, and rapid technological transformation driven by artificial intelligence. He cautioned that global challenges were intensifying even as “our collective ability to respond is weakening,” noting that multilateralism was “under siege” and the international system increasingly fragmented.
He said the moment demanded “leadership and dialogue — not divisions,” adding that divisive bloc politics and strategic confrontation were “not tenable for the future.” Pakistan, he underscored, seeks to advance convergences and reduce divergences through dialogue, connectivity, and peaceful dispute resolution.
Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, Senator Dar recalled the country’s July presidency of the UN Security Council, during which it led the unanimous adoption of Resolution 2788 (2025) aimed at strengthening mechanisms for peaceful settlement of disputes. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for strengthening global governance, including through China’s Global Governance Initiative.
Senator Dar stressed that the Asia-Pacific must not be turned into a stage for major-power rivalry, arguing that constructs such as the “Indo-Pacific” overlook the region’s cultural, historical and geographical realities. “Inclusivity, not exclusivity, must guide our cooperative approach,” he said.
On South Asia, he expressed concern over recent “deliberate acts of aggression” in the region, condemning attempts to incite war hysteria and escalate tensions. He described the decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance as “illegal and unilateral,” warning it posed a serious threat to regional stability and demanding its immediate reversal. Sustainable peace in South Asia, he said, required the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Regarding Afghanistan, Senator Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire for a peaceful, stable and economically connected neighbour. He urged the Afghan Taliban authorities to “act responsibly,” honour their commitments, and ensure that terrorism is rooted out from Afghan soil.
Addressing the Middle East, the Deputy Prime Minister condemned the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the continued Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. He welcomed the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Agreement facilitated by President Trump and Arab-Islamic countries, expressing hope that the recent UN Security Council resolution on Gaza would pave the way for a permanent ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, humanitarian access and reconstruction. He reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position supporting a sovereign and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
On the Ukraine conflict, Senator Dar said Pakistan’s stance was anchored in the UN Charter and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution that would help stabilize global food and energy markets.
He also praised the European Union’s model of cooperation as a demonstration of how inclusivity and interdependence foster peace and prosperity. Outlining Pakistan’s geo-economic vision, he said the country aimed to serve as a hub for trade and energy connectivity between Asia and Europe. Synergies between the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the EU’s Global Gateway, he added, could create green, digital and transport corridors linking the EU and the Asia-Pacific.
Senator Ishaq Dar concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional cooperation, peaceful dialogue, and a strengthened multilateral order.