ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan is prepared to take part only in peacekeeping efforts in Gaza and will not be involved in any initiative aimed at disarming Hamas.
Furthermore, Dar outlined Pakistan’s position on regional and international developments, foreign relations, and economic cooperation with key partners.
He said Pakistan’s role in Gaza would remain strictly limited to the restoration and maintenance of peace, stressing that Islamabad would not support or participate in any action to disarm Palestinian groups.
In this regard, the deputy prime minister described the recent visit of the President of the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan as highly successful.
He said discussions between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were positive and constructive, indicating growing bilateral trust and cooperation.
In this sense, Dar said Saudi Arabia, China and the UAE have supported Pakistan through state deposits. He added that the UAE is prepared to roll over a $2 billion deposit in January, while Pakistan also expects investment against the remaining $2 billion.
He further noted that the UAE has shown willingness to acquire a stake in a Pakistani military foundation, indicating expanding economic and strategic ties. Moreover, Dar said the country was facing international isolation when the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government took office, but its global stature has now been restored.
He stated that during a recent four-day conflict, Pakistan’s armed forces effectively countered Indian claims, adding that India’s repeated misinformation had damaged its own credibility.
He said Pakistan exercised its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and made it clear to the international community that it did not initiate hostilities.
Meanwhile, the foreign minister said India has used incidents such as Pulwama and Pahalgam as pretexts to target occupied Kashmir and undermine the Indus Waters Treaty, calling such actions unacceptable.
He reasserted that lasting peace in South Asia is not possible without resolving the Kashmir dispute in line with the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
So far, Dar also mentioned improving ties with the United States, saying relations were re-engaged in 2025. He said bilateral trade has reached $13.28 billion, with Pakistan enjoying a trade surplus of over $6 billion.
He praised Pakistan-US cooperation in counterterrorism and noted Pakistan’s recent presidency of the UN Security Council, during which a consensus resolution was passed after 12 years and Pakistan played an effective role on the Palestine and Gaza issues.
