PICTURE: PAK. CONSULATE GENERAL NEW YORK
NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has lauded the Pakistani-American community for their enduring contributions to Pakistan’s national development and for strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United States.
Senator Dar made these remarks while addressing a gathering of prominent Pakistani-Americans in New York. He acknowledged their solidarity during recent tensions with India and praised their consistent advocacy for the Kashmiri cause on the international stage.
Highlighting Pakistan’s recent economic progress, the Foreign Minister informed the audience that the country had successfully concluded its program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), brought inflation under control, and restored investor confidence.
He noted that global credit rating agencies had recently acknowledged Pakistan’s improved macroeconomic indicators. Senator Dar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to positioning Pakistan among the G-20 economies.
He emphasized that Pakistan had emerged from a period of diplomatic isolation and was now actively re-engaging with the international community. He pointed to recent high-level visits and active participation in multilateral diplomacy as signs of renewed foreign policy momentum.
Senator Dar also drew attention to Pakistan’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2025–2026 term, secured with the support of 182 countries. He called this overwhelming support a testament to international confidence in Pakistan’s principled and constructive diplomacy.
He reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of long-standing disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Addressing regional developments, the Deputy Prime Minister spoke of Pakistan’s outreach to neighboring Afghanistan aimed at enhancing connectivity with Central Asia through trade and rail corridors. He expressed Pakistan’s expectation that Afghan territory would not be used for terrorist activities and noted that recent assurances had been received from the Afghan authorities on this matter.
On national security, Senator Dar referred to Operation Bunyan al Marsoos, stating that Pakistan’s firm response led to the downing of six Indian aircraft. He praised the unity shown by the nation and the Pakistani diaspora during this critical moment, reaffirming Pakistan’s determination to defend its sovereignty and ensure regional stability.
He also assured the community that the government was working toward the early resumption of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Europe and the United Kingdom, with efforts underway to meet international aviation safety and compliance standards.
Highlighting key economic reforms, the Foreign Minister introduced the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), designed to streamline investment procedures and unlock growth opportunities in priority sectors. He encouraged the diaspora to take an active role in Pakistan’s development, especially in areas such as trade, education, digital innovation, and foreign investment.
Senator Dar reaffirmed the government of Pakistan’s commitment to treating the Pakistani-American diaspora as strategic partners in national progress and in furthering mutually beneficial cooperation with the United States.