Deputy PM Ishaq Dar reaffirms government’s goal to transform Pakistan into an economic power.
Pakistan begins its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Dar highlights economic turnaround with reduced policy rates and inflation, and rising exports.
$29 billion investment expected following PM’s diplomatic engagements with Gulf and Central Asian countries.
Pakistan raises Kashmir and Palestine issues at global forums, condemns Israel’s actions in Gaza.
EU lifts ban on PIA flights; UK monitoring team’s visit in January may resume UK operations.
SCO summit hosted by Pakistan well-received; World Muslim League event on girls’ education planned.
Pakistan clarifies Gwadar Port is purely for trade and development, dismissing military base rumors.
Islamabad :Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday assured the nation of the government’s unwavering commitment to transforming Pakistan from a nuclear to an economic power. Addressing a news conference, Dar detailed efforts to stabilize the economy and enhance Pakistan’s global standing, with the country beginning its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2025-26.
Highlighting diplomatic engagements, Dar emphasized the government’s success in dispelling the narrative of an “isolated Pakistan.” The active participation in and hosting of international forums, alongside high-level exchanges, showcased Pakistan’s renewed vigor on the global stage within the coalition government’s first 10 months.
Acknowledging economic challenges inherited from the previous administration, Dar pointed to achievements such as reducing the policy rate from 25% to 13%, lowering inflation below 5%, and increasing remittances, foreign exchange reserves, and exports. He attributed these improvements to strategic economic policies and effective international collaborations.
The deputy prime minister lauded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s diplomatic visits to countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Azerbaijan, which are expected to attract $29 billion in investments. Pakistan’s participation in key summits, including the Nuclear Energy Summit and OIC meetings, further highlighted the nation’s commitment to global issues, especially Kashmir and the ongoing genocide in Palestine.
Dar stressed Pakistan’s consistent advocacy for implementing UN resolutions on Palestine and condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza. He highlighted relief efforts for Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon, and Pakistan’s decision to host Palestinian medical students. Additionally, the country’s role in securing the appointment of an OIC envoy on Islamophobia was underscored.
On regional diplomacy, Dar discussed progress on resuming PIA flights to the UK and the EU’s recent lifting of its ban. He noted the success of Pakistan’s SCO summit hosting and upcoming initiatives like the World Muslim League’s event on girls’ education, which would bring 50 OIC delegates to Islamabad.
Dar announced plans to visit Malaysia and Bangladesh in February, aiming to strengthen regional cooperation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to utilize its UNSC membership to promote global peace, uphold the UN Charter, and address disputes, including those related to Kashmir and Palestine.
Responding to queries, Dar blamed the resurgence of terrorism on prior policy missteps but reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to thwart threats. He also highlighted the importance of trade ties with Afghanistan and urged India to create a conducive environment for dialogue. Regarding Gwadar Port, the Foreign Office clarified it was solely for trade and development, dismissing speculations about foreign military bases.
