ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar says Pakistan strongly raised the issue of Gaza during an international conference and successfully steered the adoption of a resolution in the United Nations Security Council.
Speaking at a press conference in the federal capital, Dar noted that Pakistan held the presidency of the UN in July this year, during which the Palestine issue was placed at the forefront. He stressed that Pakistan adopted a clear and consistent position in support of Palestine.
Dar explained that during the conference, he met the President of the UN General Assembly and also held talks with the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, in Washington. He added that three important sessions were convened during discussions on the Security Council resolution, ensuring that the matter remained under international focus.
Diplomatic engagements
Dar further shared that significant meetings were held with foreign ministers of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, culminating in the unanimous adoption of a resolution on Palestine under Pakistan’s presidency. He highlighted that this was the first time in many years that a Pakistan-sponsored resolution on Palestine was passed in the Security Council, now being cited at multiple global forums.
Dar also mentioned that the conference provided a platform to discuss broader Middle Eastern and Iranian affairs. Alongside, he engaged with the Pakistani community, business leaders and journalists abroad.
Regional discussions
The deputy PM noted that his diplomatic engagements extended to Kabul and Dhaka, where his visits were termed successful. In Kabul, Pakistan held a trilateral meeting with China and Afghanistan, including a bilateral session with the Afghan Foreign Minister. Concerns regarding the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were raised, with Pakistan and China jointly urging stability. Pakistan requested Chinese support for extending the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, while discussions also included proposals for new railway links in Kabul.
He also recalled that Kashmiri leaders and Indus Waters Treaty experts were met during his stop in the United Kingdom, further strengthening Pakistan’s regional and diaspora ties.
National matters
Dar revealed that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to commence direct flights from Manchester by September this year, in a move aimed at facilitating overseas Pakistanis. In addition, a one-window passport service has been launched in the UK to streamline consular services.
Addressing domestic concerns, he clarified that the government has no authority over the judiciary, emphasising that his recent remarks had been taken out of context. Dar remarked that anyone misunderstanding his statements due to lack of English proficiency should make efforts to learn the language.
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