Ishaq Dar Urges India to Create Environment for Improving Bilateral Ties

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has urged India to create a conducive environment to improve bilateral ties between the two countries. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Dar emphasized the need for both nations to work together to enhance their relations, particularly in the realm of trade. He reiterated the importance of mutual efforts, stating, “It takes two to tango,” while calling on India to take steps towards fostering a better relationship.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic and Economic Agenda

During the conference, Dar also discussed Pakistan’s broader diplomatic initiatives and the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy. He highlighted Pakistan’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2025-2026, marking a significant diplomatic achievement. Dar expressed the government’s goal of transitioning Pakistan from a nuclear to an economic power, emphasizing that the country was working to restore its lost prominence on the global stage.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the challenges faced by the current government, which inherited a struggling economy with high inflation, slow GDP growth, and a 25% policy rate. However, he pointed out that through prudent economic policies, the government had successfully reduced the policy rate to 13%, brought inflation below 5%, and seen growth in remittances, foreign exchange reserves, and exports.

International Diplomacy and Investments

Ishaq Dar also spoke about Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visits to key nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Azerbaijan, which have led to indications of around $29 billion in potential investments coming to Pakistan. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the country’s active participation in key international forums such as the Nuclear Energy Summit, the World Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia, and the OIC summit in Gambia. Pakistan has consistently raised the Kashmir issue and voiced its concerns over Israel’s actions in Palestine during these engagements.

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Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Palestine was evident through the country’s efforts in hosting Palestinian medical students and sending relief aid to Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon. The Deputy Prime Minister also noted Pakistan’s advocacy for UN resolutions on Palestine and the International Court of Justice’s ruling on the matter.

Relations with Afghanistan

When asked about Pakistan’s ties with Afghanistan, Dar acknowledged the country’s efforts to eliminate terrorism in 2018 but pointed out that it had resurfaced due to the previous government’s policy of opening the Afghan border and releasing hardened criminals. He expressed Pakistan’s desire for strong trade relations with Afghanistan, which would help improve connectivity with neighboring countries such as Uzbekistan.

In conclusion, Ishaq Dar stressed that Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach would continue to play a crucial role in resolving international disputes and upholding the UN Charter, particularly as the country begins its term on the UN Security Council.