Pakistan will continue to play its role in becoming the voice of the voiceless and the strength of the weak, says Deputy Prime Minister
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan will not allow its citizens to be held hostage as a result of Indian naval aggression.
Addressing the 52nd anniversary celebration of the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that the Foreign Ministry recognizes the key role of the ISSI. The world is facing deep crises today.
He said that the situation is changing in the context of several wars, interstate relations, global governance institutions and battles. Pakistan is playing a role as a responsible member of the international community in international tribunals. Pakistan’s secure future is being ensured in strategic engagement.
The Deputy Prime Minister further said in his address that India played an irresponsible role after the Pahalgam attack in May 2025. And then in response to India’s aggression, we gave it a strong response and convinced it of Pakistan’s importance.
Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan is committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty. The Indus Waters Treaty has been unilaterally suspended by India. Pakistan will not allow its 220 million people to be held hostage as a result of water aggression.
He said that confidence building is essential to normalize the regional security situation after the ceasefire. We want a dignified and honorable peace. We support the resolution of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiris and the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that a trilateral group of China, Pakistan and Afghanistan has been formed. We condemn Israel’s illegal aggression against Iran. Under the UN Charter, we strongly support Iran’s right to self-defense, while Pakistan welcomes the ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
Ishaq Dar further said that Israel’s genocidal war against Gaza is illegal. There is no example of Israeli aggression or illegal massacre in Gaza. Pakistan strongly supports the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. Peace in the Middle East is impossible without justice for the Palestinians.
He said that we believe that a prosperous, peaceful Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s interest. We have upgraded relations with Afghanistan. We have extended CPEC to Afghanistan. In general, Pakistan’s foreign policy has been proactive and productive.
The Deputy Foreign Minister said that relations with Russia are transforming into a partnership from both sides. Relations with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey are also increasing. I have been emphasizing economic diplomacy from day one. In this regard, foreign policy is safeguarding Pakistan’s interests.
He said that we support a multilateral role for reform in the United Nations. We are playing our role for peace and security, climate change, preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and ending Islamophobia.
Ishaq Dar said that we will continue to play our role to be the voice of the voiceless and the strength of the weak.
