Brussels: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar has emphasized Pakistan’s focus on enhancing regional convergence and reducing divergences through dialogue and peaceful dispute resolution. He conveyed these sentiments during his address at the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum Roundtable in Brussels on Friday.

According to Radio Pakistan, Ishaq Dar highlighted the global challenges currently being faced, including increasing conflicts, foreign occupations, major power rivalries, a renewed arms race, and the weaponization of cyber and outer space. He noted the rise of new destructive technologies, compounded by trade wars, food insecurity, inflation, widening economic inequalities, energy disruptions, and the impacts of climate change, all contributing to global instability.

The Deputy Prime Minister asserted that these challenges necessitate leadership and dialogue rather than division, calling for a renewed global commitment to multilateralism, adherence to the UN Charter, and collective action. He expressed Pakistan’s support for a more robust and responsive global governance system, citing initiatives like China’s Global Governance Initiative.

Addressing recent regional tensions, Ishaq Dar mentioned that despite Pakistan’s peace-oriented stance, some regional actors have escalated tensions through accusations, inflammatory rhetoric, and war hysteria, using these as justifications for aggression and unilateral actions.

Specifically, he criticized India’s response following the Pahalgam incident, describing India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty as a serious threat to regional stability. He stressed that water resources should be a source of cooperation rather than a political tool.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s position on Kashmir, Ishaq Dar stated that lasting peace in South Asia hinges on a peaceful and just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir conflict, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Regarding Afghanistan, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the country’s significance in Pakistan’s regional outlook. He expressed Pakistan’s desire for a peaceful, stable, friendly, connected, and prosperous Afghanistan and urged Afghan Taliban authorities to act responsibly, honor their commitments, and eliminate terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil.