Dialogue, Cooperation, and Multilateralism Are Keys to Global Peace: Ishaq Dar

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Leader of the House in the Senate, Senator Ishaq Dar, on Tuesday opened the second day of the two-day Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) in Islamabad, reiterating Pakistan’s firm belief that dialogue, cooperation, and multilateral engagement are essential for achieving lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Presiding over the morning session titled “General Debate: Peace, Security, and Development,” the Deputy Prime Minister lauded the leadership of Chairman Senate and ISC Founding Chairman, Senator Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, under whose guidance, he said, the Senate of Pakistan has emerged as a strong advocate of multilateralism and parliamentary diplomacy as platforms for advancing global peace, security, and prosperity.

Ishaq Dar underscored that parliamentary diplomacy complements traditional statecraft by incorporating the perspectives of elected representatives into international dialogue, thereby translating global commitments into tangible outcomes at national and regional levels.

“Parliamentarians, who are closest to the people, play a critical role in fostering dialogue, sharing experiences, and promoting governance, human rights, and democracy,” he remarked. Such engagement, he added, strengthens interstate relations, enriches global cooperation, and ensures that diplomacy reflects the aspirations of citizens worldwide.

Highlighting the global context, the Foreign Minister noted that the world is undergoing profound transformations, marked by geopolitical rivalries, economic inequalities, climate crises, terrorism, and widening social divides. He said that platforms like the ISC are crucial in revitalizing multilateralism through openness, inclusivity, and people-centered dialogue, reminding the international community that mutual respect, diplomacy, and shared responsibility are essential for rebuilding global trust.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s foreign policy principles, Mr Dar said they are firmly anchored in the Charter of the United Nations, emphasizing sovereign equality, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-interference, and friendly relations among nations. He pointed out Pakistan’s active role in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), stressing that the country remains committed to promoting cooperation over competition and equitable partnerships over hierarchies.

Addressing contemporary security challenges, the Deputy Prime Minister condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Wana and Islamabad, which claimed 15 lives. “Terrorism recognizes no religion, race, or boundary,” he stated, expressing condolences to the bereaved families. He affirmed that such acts cannot weaken Pakistan’s resolve but rather strengthen its determination to pursue dialogue, understanding, and partnership as the only sustainable paths to peace.

Concluding his address, Mr Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s role as a bridge-builder — uniting regions, amplifying the voices of the developing world, and advancing peace through justice and dialogue. “Diplomacy, whether in the chamber or the chancery, must always serve the people,” he said. “People-centered diplomacy ensures that the dividends of peace reach citizens, that development is inclusive, and that international cooperation translates into tangible human progress.”

He extended his best wishes to all foreign delegates for a pleasant stay in Islamabad and a safe journey back to their respective countries.