Islamabad Staff Reporter
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, while addressing the National Assembly on Friday, briefed members on Pakistan’s active diplomatic engagements during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
According to a statement released by the Foreign Office, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s impactful address at the UNGA, which emphasized key global issues including the Palestinian and Jammu & Kashmir causes, climate justice, reforms in the global financial system, and the urgent need for sustainable development.
Senator Dar underscored Pakistan’s broad diplomatic outreach, participation in high-level events, bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA, and the country’s constructive role in promoting peace and advocating for the rights of the Palestinian and Kashmiri people.
He also informed the House about a joint statement issued by Pakistan and seven brotherly Arab and Islamic countries after consultations in New York. The joint declaration called for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, prevention of forced displacement of Palestinians, complete Israeli withdrawal, Gaza’s reconstruction, and the establishment of a credible pathway to a just peace based on a two-state solution. This solution, he reiterated, must be grounded in pre-1967 borders, ensuring a contiguous, independent, and sovereign Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The Deputy Prime Minister strongly condemned the unlawful interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by Israeli occupying forces, calling it a blatant violation of international maritime law and humanitarian principles.
He assured the National Assembly that Pakistan is actively pursuing diplomatic channels to ensure the safety and secure return of its citizens onboard the flotilla.
Additionally, Senator Dar briefed the House on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was also present during the meeting. The discussions featured mutual goodwill, appreciation for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, Trump’s role in facilitating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May, and avenues for U.S. investment in Pakistan’s agriculture, IT, mining, minerals, and energy sectors. Both sides also discussed agreements to enhance bilateral trade.
