Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has called on India to review its current “hostile and misguided” policies. He warned that such actions threaten peace and security across South Asia. Speaking at the 52nd anniversary of the Institute for Strategic Studies (ISSI), Dar emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty. He also said Pakistan is taking a forward-looking approach to global changes while fulfilling its international responsibilities.
He praised the diplomatic efforts of friendly nations like the U.S., Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Türkiye. According to Dar, their involvement helped prevent conflict between India and Pakistan. He stressed that the current ceasefire must be strengthened. He proposed setting up a reliable crisis management system and building trust between both countries. These steps, he said, would help improve peace and security in the region.
Dar also said that India’s recent aggression failed to intimidate Pakistan. He urged New Delhi to rethink its “hubristic” policies. Instead of dominance, he suggested India work toward mutual respect and cooperation. He noted that peace and stability in South Asia depend on ending such hostile behavior.
Talking about regional ties, Dar said South Asia must move past power struggles. He mentioned that SAARC has suffered due to such divisions. Pakistan, he added, supports a new vision of regional unity based on solidarity and shared growth. This, according to him, will help create a better future for the entire region.
On Afghanistan, Dar shared Pakistan’s steps to improve relations with the neighboring country. He announced that both sides agreed to raise diplomatic ties to the ambassador level. Pakistan also plans to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan. If the Afghan government cooperates sincerely, Dar said, the benefits of regional trade and connectivity will spread across Central Asia and beyond.