Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that Pakistan successfully championed a Gaza resolution during its UN Security Council presidency, marking a significant diplomatic achievement for the country.
Speaking at a press conference in the federal capital, Ishaq Dar highlighted Pakistan’s leadership role during its July UN presidency, when the Palestine issue was prioritized on the international agenda. Pakistan maintained a clear and consistent pro-Palestine stance throughout the proceedings.
During the conference, Ishaq Dar engaged in high-level diplomatic meetings, including discussions with the UN General Assembly President and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. Three crucial sessions were held to discuss the Security Council resolution, ensuring the Gaza issue remained under global spotlight.
The Foreign Minister revealed that extensive consultations with foreign ministers from Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member states led to the unanimous adoption of the Palestine resolution under Pakistan’s presidency. This marked the first Pakistan-sponsored Palestine resolution to pass in the Security Council in many years, and it is now being referenced at various international forums.
The conference also served as a platform for broader Middle Eastern discussions, including Iranian affairs. Dar took the opportunity to connect with Pakistani communities, business leaders, and journalists abroad during his diplomatic engagements.
Ishaq Dar’s diplomatic activities extended beyond the UN, with successful visits to Kabul and Dhaka. In Kabul, Pakistan participated in a trilateral meeting with China and Afghanistan, including bilateral discussions with the Afghan Foreign Minister. Pakistan and China jointly addressed concerns about the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan while requesting Chinese support for extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor into Afghanistan. The discussions also explored potential railway connections in Kabul.
During his UK visit, Ishaq Dar met with Kashmiri leaders and Indus Waters Treaty experts, strengthening Pakistan’s regional and diaspora relationships. He announced that Pakistan International Airlines will launch direct flights from Manchester by September 2024, aimed at better serving overseas Pakistanis. Additionally, a streamlined one-window passport service has been introduced in the UK to improve consular services.
Addressing domestic issues,Ishaq Dar clarified that the government has no jurisdiction over the judiciary, emphasizing that his recent comments had been misinterpreted. He suggested that those who misunderstood his English-language statements should improve their language skills for better comprehension.
