ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday said that Pakistan, China and Afghanistan agreed to work together to end terrorism.
Addressing a press conference, Ishaq Dar said that it was decided in the trilateral meeting in Beijing that terrorism would not be allowed to stay in these countries.
Criticising Pakistan Tehreek-e-Inaf (PTI) government without naming, Ishq Dar said that terrroistsm was completely eliminated from the country in 2017-18, but then the policies were changed, the borders were left open, allowing 35,000 to 40,000 militants to settle in the country, and more than 100 hardcore terrorists were released under executive authority.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that his recent visit to China was highly successful. He shared that China reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan have mutually agreed to eliminate terrorism from the region.
Dar said he undertook the trip at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart. He held key meetings with Chinese officials on Tuesday and participated in a trilateral meeting with the foreign ministers of China and Afghanistan on Wednesday. The talks focused on Afghan refugees, regional issues, and trade. He added that Pakistan has already begun implementing the agreements made during his April 19 visit to Kabul.
Dar addressed criticism that Pakistan often delays the implementation of its commitments. He emphasized that the agreements signed with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul have already been executed. He credited China for consistently standing by Pakistan.
He noted that Pakistan and China began their diplomatic relationship on May 21, 1951, and that the world respects this long-standing friendship. The next round of the China-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue will take place in Islamabad. Dar extended an invitation to the Chinese foreign minister to visit Pakistan, which was positively received.
He reiterated that China has renewed its support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. From April 23 to May 10, Dar said he engaged with around 60 countries and exposed the false narratives propagated by neighboring countries, particularly India’s fabricated claims about downing F-16 jets. “We told India we are not cowards like you. If we strike, we will say it openly,” he asserted.
Dar said India tried to use the Poonch (Pahalgam) incident the way it used Pulwama in 2019 to build a false narrative, but this time Pakistan thwarted it effectively. He offered open and transparent investigation into the Poonch attack.
He remarked that terrorism had been largely eradicated in Pakistan by 2017–18 but returned due to internal issues. Referring to the visit of former DG ISI Faiz Hameed to Kabul, he said, “An important personality once went to Kabul just for a cup of tea,” implying poor strategic decisions.
The Deputy PM stressed that in the trilateral meeting, the three countries agreed not to allow their territories to be used for terrorism against one another. He also confirmed that China is ready to start CPEC Phase II with the current government. He expressed gratitude to China for its support regarding Pakistan’s IMF bailout.
