Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Friday accused India of posing a “grave threat to regional stability” by unilaterally putting the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, asserting that water should be a tool for cooperation, not a “political weapon.”
Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum Roundtable in Burssels, Dar remarked on recent regional skirmishes, stating that despite Pakistan”s wish for peace, certain regional actors have tried to heighten tensions with accusations and “inflammatory rhetoric” as a pretext for aggressive and unilateral moves.
The Foreign Minister painted a grim picture of the global landscape, highlighting challenges such as escalating conflicts, foreign occupations, major power rivalries, and a new arms race. He noted that instability is compounded by trade disputes, food scarcity, inflation, economic disparity, energy disruptions, and the severe impacts of climate change.
In response to these multifaceted threats, Dar stressed the need for leadership and dialogue over division. He advocated for a renewed international commitment to multilateralism, adherence to the UN Charter, and collective action, expressing Pakistan”s support for a more responsive global governance system, including frameworks like China”s Global Governance Initiative.
He articulated that Pakistan”s security outlook is centered on maximizing regional agreement and reducing differences through dialogue, enhanced connectivity, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Reaffirming the nation”s long-standing position on Kashmir, the Foreign Minister declared that lasting peace in South Asia remains unattainable without a just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, consistent with UN Security Council resolutions and the will of the Kashmiri people.
Addressing the situation in Afghanistan, Dar described the country as central to Pakistan”s regional perspective. He conveyed Pakistan”s desire for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous neighbor, urging the Afghan Taliban authorities to act with responsibility, honor their commitments, and dismantle terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.