Deputy PM Dar
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar articulated Pakistan’s stance on normalizing relations with India during his speech at the 51st founding anniversary of the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI).
Holding the additional portfolio of foreign minister, Dar emphasized Pakistan’s desire for good-neighbourly relations with India based on principles of mutual respect, sovereign equality, and a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
He expressed Pakistan’s willingness to engage in dialogue to ease longstanding tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
Dar highlighted the urgent need to break the cycle of conflict and prioritize cooperation over discord, especially in a region facing significant challenges such as poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, and environmental issues like climate change.
He underscored the importance of collective action to address these pressing issues, advocating for a shift away from perpetual hostility towards mutual benefit and regional stability.
This statement marks Pakistan’s first formal articulation of its policy towards India under Prime Minister Modi’s third term, noting Modi’s initial stance and recent electoral developments in India.
Dar acknowledged recent communication from Pakistani leadership, including a goodwill gesture from PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, and emphasized the importance of sober reflection on the future of bilateral relations and regional dynamics.
While Pakistan remains open to comprehensive dialogue on all outstanding issues, Dar cautioned against unilateral dictates or attempts at hegemony by India.
He asserted Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining strategic stability in South Asia and warned against any provocative actions that could escalate tensions.
Dar concluded by affirming Pakistan’s readiness to respond decisively to any military provocations, particularly in the context of ideological-driven policies from New Delhi.
In essence, Dar’s speech reflects Pakistan’s strategic approach towards fostering constructive relations with India while safeguarding its own national interests and regional stability.
It signals a call for dialogue, mutual respect, and a resolution of disputes through peaceful means, encapsulating Pakistan’s stance amidst evolving regional dynamics and challenges.
