New York: Pakistan is ready to negotiate with India at any corner of the world. There is no possibility for peace without resolution of Kashmir in the region.
While holding a news conference at the Pakistan Mission in New York, Dar said that Pakistan is ready to hold talks with India at any location in the world. However, he emphasized that lasting peace in the region is not possible without a resolution of the Kashmir issue.
Criticizing past policies, he admitted that opening the border and allowing militants to operate freely was a mistake. Ishaq Dar also made it clear that the ceasefire between Pakistan and India is still being observed, which is a sign of reduced tensions in the region.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized Pakistan’s firm stance on regional matters, particularly concerning India.
He warned, if Pakistan’s water is stopped or diverted, it would be considered an act of war, underscoring the nation's commitment to defending its rights under the Indus Waters Treaty, which, he added, cannot be unilaterally terminated.
In response to India’s contradictory statements, Dar said that Pakistan remains on high alert, any future talks with India would be comprehensive in nature.
He said a unanimous resolution on the matter of India was passed in Parliament with the cooperation of PTI. Political tensions, the cases against the PTI founder are a judicial matter, and when one takes up arms, the law follows its own course.
Furthermore, he acknowledged the efforts of the Pakistan Army, under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, in striving for peace.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, while presenting Pakistan's stance on international and regional issues in a clear and firm manner, stated that Gaza has become a graveyard for human rights laws. He called for a permanent ceasefire, uninterrupted food supply, and accountability for the war crimes being committed in Gaza.
Expressing strong solidarity with the Palestinian people, Ishaq Dar demanded an end to crimes against humanity and full United Nations membership for the State of Palestine. He emphasized that the Palestine issue has remained unresolved for the past 75 years, and this is not merely a political failure but also the result of several other contributing factors.
He stated that Pakistan fully supports the Palestinian right to self-determination and the two-state solution. “The borders of an independent Palestinian state should be based on the pre-1967 lines, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital,” the Deputy Prime Minister asserted.
He praised Saudi Arabia and France for their support of the Palestinian cause and welcomed France’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine. He stressed that “justice delayed is justice denied.”
Speaking on actions against Islamophobia, Ishaq Dar mentioned that Pakistan played a key role in the appointment of the OIC’s permanent representative. He stated that Pakistan has always highlighted the issues of both Kashmir and Palestine.
Regarding his recent visit to the United States, Ishaq Dar called it a success in all respects, noting that his meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State was productive, with open discussions on bilateral and regional matters.
He said discussions were held on tariffs and trade agreements, and it is expected that an agreement will be finalized within the next two to three days. For this purpose, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will soon depart for the United States.
Referring to his visit to Afghanistan and meetings with Afghan interim ministers, he said that the agreed-upon decisions have already been implemented. He urged Afghanistan to ensure that its soil is not used for terrorism.
He mentioned that the railway project with Afghanistan will connect Pakistan to the rest of the world. Soon, the foreign ministers of China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan will meet in Kabul. He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is Pakistan’s top priority.
Referring to Pakistan's immediate condemnation of Israel’s attack on Iran, Dar said that slogans in favor of Pakistan raised in the Iranian parliament are a matter of pride for the country.
Ishaq Dar made it clear that Pakistan has no intention of recognizing Israel without a just resolution to the Palestine issue.
