ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has stated that Pakistan’s foremost priority is the protection of its people, as well as the defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He said that Pakistan is fully aware of the challenges facing the region and, despite provocations, remains committed to peace, dialogue, and diplomacy.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the Pakistan Governance Forum 2026, titled “Navigating International Relations in the Context of Changing Geopolitics,” was held where Ishaq Dar delivered a keynote address.
During his speech, the Deputy Prime Minister paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his visionary leadership, stating that under his guidance, Pakistan’s foreign policy has achieved notable successes. He added that Pakistan has strengthened strategic partnerships and enhanced its role on the global stage.
Dar noted that international relations are currently undergoing a significant transformation. The global order, institutions, and alliances established after World War II are being reshaped, with a multipolar world and geopolitical competition emerging.
He said this evolving global landscape presents both challenges and opportunities.
He reiterated that Pakistan’s foreign policy is prepared to effectively navigate these changes. He emphasized that resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people remains essential for regional stability.
He also asserted that Pakistan possesses the capability and resolve to respond effectively to any aggression.
Highlighting bilateral and limited partnerships in the current global system, Dar said Pakistan has focused on cooperation in priority sectors. He stated that Pakistan’s “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” with China continues to grow stronger, including progress under CPEC 2.0, strategic dialogue, and expanded mutual cooperation.
He added that relations with the United States have also been given new direction, particularly in trade, technology, and investment. Pakistan has strengthened ties with Bangladesh in South Asia, and trilateral cooperation among China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh has begun.
In the Middle East, Pakistan has signed a strategic defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and expanded cooperation in investment and energy with other Arab countries. Relations with Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Central Asian states have also been further consolidated through high-level diplomacy.
Under the Vision East Asia Policy, Pakistan has increased engagement with ASEAN countries. Dar described ties with Islamic and Arab countries as a key pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy, adding that high-level and personalized diplomacy has helped reduce tensions and build confidence.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council as a reflection of global trust in the country’s role in promoting peace and international law. On Gaza, he said Pakistan has strongly called for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian assistance, and support for a two-state solution.
Regarding Iran, Dar said Pakistan is playing a constructive role and continuing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions. He emphasized that economic diplomacy is a central pillar of the government’s foreign policy, covering sectors such as industry, IT, minerals, and agriculture.
