New York: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has emphasized that Pakistan seeks its relationship with the US based on mutual respect while upholding national dignity.
About potential US pressure for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, Dar said, “No one can impose their will on Pakistan through coercion.”
At the conclusion of his three-day visit to the US, Dar held a press conference in New York and outlined his engagements. He highlighted Pakistan’s strong stance at the United Nations Security Council meeting on key global issues, including the Gaza and Kashmir conflicts and the situation in Afghanistan. Pakistan, he affirmed, categorically rejects any proposal—temporary or permanent—that displaces Palestinians from their homeland.
During his visit, Dar met with foreign ministers from China, Saudi Arabia, Hungary, and other key global leaders. These discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, regional affairs, and advocating for Pakistan’s position on Palestine and Kashmir.
He reiterated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s stance that Israel bears full responsibility for the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Despite limited resources, Pakistan has provided aid to Palestinians through Egypt and other channels. Additionally, around 200 Palestinian students are currently receiving medical education in Pakistan, with local universities set to grant them degrees upon completion.
Pakistan will also participate in the upcoming March 6 meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the Palestinian issue.
Responding to questions about not meeting any U.S. officials during his visit, Dar clarified that the trip was solely for attending the UN Security Council session. He reiterated that Pakistan desires a relationship with the U.S. based on mutual respect and sovereignty.
When asked about allegations from U.S. politicians regarding “political cases and human rights violations” in Pakistan, Dar dismissed such claims as personal opinions expressed on social media.
On the issue of internal stability, Dar stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law without injustice. However, he warned that those who challenge state authority—such as attacking GHQ, Corps Commander House, or airbases—will not be pardoned. He also confirmed that there has been no official U.S. communication regarding human rights concerns in Pakistan. Regarding potential U.S. pressure for the release of PTI’s founder, Dar asserted, “No country can dictate terms to Pakistan through force.”
Addressing security concerns, Dar expressed deep apprehension over the rising cross-border terrorist attacks from banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) elements operating from Afghanistan. He revealed that Pakistan has raised this issue with the Afghan interim government. Supporting former U.S. President Trump’s demand for retrieving abandoned American weapons in Afghanistan, Dar noted that the arms left behind during the U.S. withdrawal have been seized by TTP and other militant groups.
Criticizing Pakistan’s previous leadership, he pointed out that some officials had visited Kabul merely for a “cup of tea” after the U.S. withdrawal. Due to the leniency of past rulers, terrorists hiding in Afghanistan were able to launch attacks on Pakistan. Regarding a potential visit to Afghanistan, Dar disclosed that he had received formal invitations from his Afghan counterpart twice, but each time, circumstances prevented the trip. He firmly stated that, as in the past, Pakistan will respond decisively to any aggression from Afghanistan or any other country.
On concerns over Chinese reservations about Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s visit to the U.S., Dar clarified that Naqvi traveled with the Prime Minister’s approval. He suggested that any misunderstandings within the Chinese leadership might be due to incomplete information about the trip.
Regarding the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) ban, Dar attributed the airline’s losses to irresponsible statements made by a former aviation minister, which led to European restrictions costing PIA $840 million annually. However, he noted that after a recent European Aviation inspection, PIA scored over 84%, leading to the lifting of bans in some European countries. Talks with the UK are ongoing, and Dar expressed optimism that restrictions would soon be lifted, paving the way for the resumption of PIA flights to London and the U.S.