Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has called for removing artificial obstacles in the ways of SAARC and enabling it to start refunctioning.
He was addressing Islamabad Conclave 2025 titled “Reimagining South Asia: Security, Economy, Climate, Connectivity,” today.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the SAARC remains our first choice as an instrument of regional cooperation.
Ishaq Dar said Pakistan envisions a South Asia where connectivity replaces divisions, economies grow in synergy, disputes are resolved peacefully in accordance with international legitimacy and where peace is maintained with dignity and honour.
The Deputy Prime Minister said Pakistan remains ready to work with all willing partners to help South Asia reach its immense potential.
He emphasized that there is need to reimagine South Asia and identify pathways to the peace, progress and prosperity of our peoples. He said challenges of regional security, economic fragility and climate crisis cannot be effectively tackled in an environment of political fragmentation and fractured regional architecture. He stressed that our national development needs and regional priorities cannot and should not be held hostage to anyone’s rigidity.
Referring to the May conflict, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan demonstrated both resolve and capability to thwart aggression and reinforce deterrence. He said sustainable peace in South Asia requires more than maintaining strategic stability. He said the just and lasting solution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains indispensable.
As regards climate change, the Deputy Prime Minister said regional cooperation in water management, climate adaptation and resilient agri policies are absolutely essential. Investments in renewable energy, climate smart farming and disaster preparedness will be critical for sustainable development and build resilient communities across South Asia.
The Deputy Prime Minister said Pakistan seeks a just, equitable and inclusive world order. He said we have opposed bloc politics and zero sum approaches and consistently stressed the imperative of cooperation rather than confrontation.
He said Pakistan has steadfastly championed multilateralism based on international law, the UN charter and reformed multilateral institutions. He said Pakistan has underscored the indispensability of dialogue and diplomacy, a peaceful settlement of disputes and of international cooperation and solidarity.
