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, 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.
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, he condemned the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the continued Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. He welcomed the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Agreement, 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.
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. 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. Dar concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional cooperation, peaceful dialogue, and a strengthened multilateral order.