Kuala lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has stressed the need for collective commitment to building a peaceful and inclusive Asia-Pacific, grounded in mutual respect and sovereign equality. Speaking at the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, he said Pakistan welcomes ASEAN’s initiative to develop a post-2025 plan of action. He hoped the new Plan will prioritize non-traditional security threats such as climate change, pandemics, cyber risks, scamming, maritime security, and disaster response.
According to Radio Pakistan, Deputy Prime Minister Dar highlighted the importance of addressing long-standing disputes, specifically mentioning the Kashmir issue in South Asia. He stated that Pakistan has consistently advocated for a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He urged the international community to support a peaceful settlement and the realization of the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.
Regarding recent unprovoked Indian attacks targeting innocent civilians in Pakistan, Dar emphasized that Pakistan exercised its right of self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. He noted that Pakistan’s calibrated air force and military response targeted only air force and military assets, demonstrating restraint and responsibility. He made it clear that the unlawful notion of a so-called “new normal,” founded on impunity, unilateralism, and the use of force, is neither credible nor acceptable.
He further criticized India’s recent decision to unilaterally hold in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty, underscoring its disregard for international commitments. Dar highlighted that the Treaty contains no provision for any unilateral action and that India’s actions threaten millions reliant on the Indus Basin, violating international norms. He urged the international community to take serious note of such behavior, which undermines the global legal order.
Highlighting Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, Dar stated that Pakistan has lost over 80,000 precious lives and incurred an enormous economic cost of over 150 billion dollars in the fight against terrorism. He emphasized the need to address terrorism’s root causes, which include poverty, injustice, occupation, and the denial of self-determination. Dar also spoke on Afghanistan, expressing that a peaceful, stable, united, and prosperous Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s vital interest. He expects the Afghan Interim Government to ensure that Afghanistan’s soil is not used for terrorism against any state, particularly Pakistan.
Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. On the South China Sea, he noted Pakistan supports all efforts for regional peace and dialogue and urges that disputes be resolved through diplomacy with mutual respect.
Lastly, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s firm support for the “One China Policy,” recognizing the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate authority over Taiwan. He also addressed the existential threat of climate change, disproportionately impacting developing nations like Pakistan, and called for climate justice by urging developed countries to deliver on their commitments for climate finance, technology access, and capacity-building.