Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urging US and Iran to exercise restraint said Pakistan had played an active diplomatic role in promoting peace and stability in the Gulf region.
Addressing a meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum on Thursday, Dar said Pakistan had played an active diplomatic role in promoting peace and stability in the Gulf region and had also facilitated dialogue between the United States and Iran.
He said the understanding reached through the Islamabad diplomatic process had created an important opportunity for peace in the region.
The foreign minister urged all parties to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through diplomacy and dialogue, saying sovereignty, mutual respect and engagement were the foundations of a peaceful and shared future.
Expressing serious concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
He said Pakistan supported the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders.
Dar added that Pakistan would continue its diplomatic efforts to promote peace, stability and respect for international law in the region and around the world.
He said a just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with United Nations resolutions, is essential for lasting peace in South Asia.
“Pakistan would continue its unwavering support for a fair and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.”, the deputy PM said.
He said Pakistan was committed to working closely with the ASEAN Regional Forum to promote regional peace, stability and cooperation, while reaffirming Islamabad’s support for the effective implementation of the Manila Plan of Action 2036.
Dar stressed that effective multilateral cooperation was essential to address emerging global and regional challenges. He urged the international community to uphold international law and play its role in resolving disputes through peaceful means.
The deputy prime minister described India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and related unilateral measures as alarming and provocative, warning that they could affect the interests of 250 million Pakistanis.
He said respect for international treaties was vital for regional stability.
Dar also described terrorism as a serious threat to global peace and security. He said Pakistan had made unprecedented sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, losing more than 90,000 lives, and would continue its struggle against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
He stressed that Afghan territory must not be used for terrorist activities against Pakistan, adding that peace in Afghanistan would help promote regional trade, connectivity and development.
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