Peace, development interlinked now: Dar

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar has said that the world is undergoing profound transformations, witnessing the end of one era and the beginning of a new one—marked by the emergence of a multipolar order.

Senator Dar made these remarks while addressing the 51st anniversary of the founding of the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISS) here on Tuesday.

He emphasised that old and traditional security threats are compounded by new and non-traditional security challenges.

These include ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, genocide in Palestine, and simmering tensions across several continents.

The minister noted that world leaders like President Xi and Chancellor Scholz have spoken of “global tectonic shifts” and changes not seen in a century.

The disintegration of the arms control regime, new arms races, unprecedented growth of new emerging technologies, food and fuel crises, Islamophobia, grey-zone conflict, and climate change present further challenges to global security.

Alluding to the intensifying major-power contestation, he noted that the spectre of a new Cold War looms ominously over the global landscape.

He asserted that it should be evident to all that our collective salvation lies in finding global solutions to shared problems.

No single nation can resolve these issues in isolation; hence, communication and dialogue are imperative, he observed.

He underscored Pakistan's strategic importance globally and regionally, its aversion to bloc politics, and its preference for cooperation over confrontation.

He also highlighted that Pakistan’s regional policy is underpinned by the concept of a “peaceful neighbourhood” and the inextricable link between peace and development.

Senator Dar said that a peaceful, stable, united, and prosperous Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s vital interest. Since the Taliban’s takeover, Pakistan has adopted a pragmatic approach, prioritising both national and regional stability.

He stressed the need for Afghan soil not to be used by terrorists against any state.

If the vision of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is realised, the fruits of economic cooperation, regional integration, and connectivity will be enormous.

He described India-Pakistan relations as troubled, citing ongoing mistrust stemming from India's actions in Kashmir since August 5, 2019.

He said Pakistan seeks good-neighbourly relations with India based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, and a just and peaceful resolution of the long-standing Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

He added that while Pakistan is always receptive to constructive engagement through dialogue that includes all outstanding issues, Pakistan would never agree to unilateral approaches or attempts to impose India’s will or hegemony.

He further emphasised Pakistan’s readiness to ensure strategic stability and respond to any military provocations.

He expressed hope that the BJP-led NDA government would soberly reflect, revisit India’s policies and postures that have bedevilled bilateral relations and regional cooperation, and take tangible steps to move the relationship in a positive direction.

The foreign minister emphasised Pakistan's enduring friendship with China as crucial for regional and global stability, highlighting their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Chinese personnel and projects and enhancing bilateral relations.

He praised the transformative impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on Pakistan's economy and development. Additionally, he stressed efforts to strengthen ties with Iran, Gulf countries, Turkey, and Central Asia, prioritising regional connectivity.

He vowed that the guiding principle of Pakistan’s foreign policy is to enhance Pakistan’s diplomatic space and autonomy of action, including through good relations with all major powers, especially the United States, China, Russia, the EU, Japan, and ASEAN—asserting that forging closer ties is crucial for navigating today’s complex world.

Earlier, Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISS, underscored the growing impact of think tanks and research organisations globally, stressing their pivotal role in generating research-based inputs, fostering informed dialogue, and impacting policy.