Former Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, while addressing the American think tank Atlantic Council in Washington, said that the world is rapidly changing into new realities, the balance of power is deteriorating and conflicts are becoming more complex, the global economy is under pressure, climate technology and geopolitics are intertwined, peace in such difficult times does not come simply by silence, Pakistan believes in responsibility and strength for peace.
Ishaq Dar further said that Pakistan is the fifth largest country in the world with a population of 240 million, Pakistan is a peace-loving country with nuclear power, stability in South Asia is essential for Pakistan and the world, Pakistan has taken difficult decisions, managed the economy, and completed the IMF program, economic indicators have improved, inflation has decreased, and the current account has stabilized, Pakistan is steadfast against terrorism; democracy is active in Pakistan; and the government is committed to human development.
The Foreign Minister said that he is committed to the rule of law and freedom of expression, Pakistan-US relations are long-standing and extensive, partnership with the US has always played an important role on global issues, it was agreed to further strengthen relations in the meeting with Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio, Pakistan-US relations have become closer in the last 6 months, Pakistan played an important role in the arrest of the Abe Gate mastermind.
The former Prime Minister further said that the US played a key role in the ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May 2025. We want to build relations on the basis of mutual benefit. The two countries are discussing many areas including security, energy, technology and IT. A trade agreement between the two countries will be completed soon. Pakistan wants trade, not aid. The US is the largest market for Pakistani exports. Pakistan welcomes American investment.
Pakistan wants peace and cooperation in the region. Ishaq Dar said that Jammu and Kashmir is the fundamental dispute between Pakistan and India, India suppressed the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people through illegal measures, India changed the status of occupied Kashmir by taking illegal measures in August 2019, the population changes in the occupied valley by India are unacceptable, India misleads the world by using the pretext of terrorism, the US and friendly countries played an important role in reducing the crisis in May, the US can play an important role for sustainable peace in South Asia, Pakistan does not want conflict with any neighboring country but wants contacts and cooperation.
The Foreign Minister further said that Pakistan has signed a Trans-Afghan Railway agreement with Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, cooperation between the US and China can be beneficial for the entire world, Pakistan wants US-China relations to be cordial, Pakistan supports peace and autonomy in Afghanistan, the threat of terrorism from Afghan soil is the biggest challenge for Pakistan, Pakistan has demanded that the Afghan interim government implement its promises against terrorism, more than 50,000 innocent lives have been lost in Gaza, Pakistan demands an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful solution in Gaza, Pakistan supports dialogue with Iran and reducing tensions.
