Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar tells the ASEAN Regional Forum that unresolved disputes, water security and regional conflicts remain major threats to global peace and stability.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called on the international community and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to play a more active role in resolving long-standing regional conflicts, saying that the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute and India’s unilateral decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance remain key sources of instability in South Asia.
Addressing the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting in Manila on Thursday, Dar highlighted a range of regional and global security challenges, including South Asian stability, the Gulf crisis, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, terrorism, Afghanistan, Ukraine, the South China Sea and climate change.
Kashmir dispute remains central issue
During his address, Dar said the continued failure to resolve long-standing disputes—particularly the Jammu and Kashmir issue—has contributed significantly to instability in South Asia.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Concern over Indus Waters Treaty
The deputy prime minister also expressed serious concern over India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.
He warned that using water resources as a political tool violates international obligations and threatens the lives and livelihoods of nearly 250 million people in Pakistan.
Dar urged the international community, especially ASEAN Regional Forum members, to address what he described as arbitrary and unilateral actions while upholding international law.
“We simply cannot afford to let this serious, provocative development remain unaddressed. Let us all be the architects of peace and stability,” he said.
Pakistan highlights diplomatic role in Gulf
Speaking about the evolving situation in the Gulf, Dar said regional tensions have had global consequences and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to diplomacy and de-escalation.
He highlighted Islamabad’s efforts to facilitate dialogue, including helping broker a ceasefire and hosting leadership-level talks that resulted in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
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Dar also thanked the United States, Iran, Gulf countries and other international partners for their confidence in Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts. He urged all parties to honour their commitments, exercise restraint and support dialogue to ensure regional stability, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the uninterrupted flow of international maritime trade.
Reiterates support for Palestine
Turning to the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, Dar condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza and reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding support for the establishment of an independent, sovereign and contiguous Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital.
Counter-terrorism and Afghanistan
The foreign minister also highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, noting that the country has lost more than 90,000 lives and suffered economic losses exceeding $150 billion.
He urged the Afghan Taliban authorities to ensure Afghan territory is not used by terrorist organisations, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated groups, to launch attacks against neighbouring countries.
Dar said fulfilling these commitments would help unlock greater trade, regional connectivity and economic cooperation across South and Central Asia.
Climate change and emerging security challenges
Addressing climate change, Dar noted that Pakistan contributes less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions but remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
He called for stronger international cooperation based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities to address the global climate crisis.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for peaceful diplomatic solutions to disputes in Ukraine and the South China Sea, while reiterating the country’s commitment to the One-China policy.
Pakistan backs stronger ASEAN cooperation
Welcoming the adoption of the Manila Plan of Action 2026, Dar praised the Philippines for hosting the ministerial meeting and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) and ASEAN’s consensus-based approach.
He said Pakistan values ASEAN’s role in promoting dialogue and practical cooperation and supports deeper collaboration on both traditional and emerging security challenges, including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, climate change, food and energy security, disaster resilience and public health preparedness.
Dar concluded by saying the ASEAN Regional Forum should continue strengthening dialogue and cooperation to effectively respond to evolving regional and global security challenges.
