Decision on IP gas pipeline to be made in Pakistan’s interest: Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar asserted on Tuesday that Pakistan, as a sovereign nation, is committed to making decisions in its best interests to address energy demands and meet international obligations.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the deputy premier, while responding to a question, emphasised that the government's actions regarding the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline would prioritise national interests and deter any external interference.

He also termed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Pakistan as very productive. To another query, he replied that the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman would undertake a bilateral visit to Pakistan soon and they would receive a date in this regard, in the current month.

Read more: Iran envoy says Pakistan determined to complete pipeline

Initial meetings between both nations have laid the groundwork for the forthcoming high-level visit, he noted.

Dar highlighted the positive feedback from the recent Saudi delegation, expressing admiration for Pakistan's progress and affirming the government's commitment to fostering economic cooperation.

Regarding regional stability, Dar reiterated Pakistan's desire for amicable relations with all neighbouring countries, including Afghanistan.

He condemned recent terrorist incidents, attributing their origin to Afghan soil. When asked about restrictions on social media platforms, Dar referenced Article 19 of the Constitution, stressing that freedom of expression is subject to legal boundaries.

He warned against baseless allegations that undermine national interests and institutions, affirming the government's commitment to upholding laws governing defamation.

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The minister also noted that in Pakistan there were defamation laws but he had seldom witnessed any proceedings on the relevant legal provisions.

Reflecting on recent international engagements, Dar outlined Pakistan's active role in addressing key issues at forums like the World Economic Forum and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit.

The deputy foreign minister said that Pakistan played a very active and leading role in the key issues confronting the Muslim Ummah including immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Islamophobia, Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and other economic-related subjects.

He said that Pakistan’s viewpoint with regard to condemnation of ongoing Israeli brutal and indiscriminate use of force against Palestinians, calls for an immediate ceasefire and opening of a humanitarian corridor, besides two-state solution with June 1967 pre-borders was overwhelmingly supported by all the members.

“These assertions were made a part of the communiqué adopted at the conclusion of the OIC summit,” he added.

Dar also addressed the global issue of Islamophobia, urging the OIC to adopt a unified approach against the dissemination of offensive material on social media platforms. He welcomed the appointment of an OIC-special envoy on Islamophobia as a positive step towards addressing this challenge.

The foreign minister said that he had told the summit that the alarming genocide-like situation in Gaza was parallel to what was happening in IIOJK. He said that their focus was on “economic diplomacy” and Africa possessed tremendous scope for the Pakistani exporters.

To a question, he maintained that a note verbale was received from the US ambassador in March who wanted to meet with the leaders of the Parliament and MOFA had no objection over his meetings with the leader of the opposition and other members. However, Dar made it clear that the ministry neither initiated the process nor arranged it as claimed by certain media reports.

He also brushed aside a set of claims by political leaders about his role in the import of wheat as head of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet.

The deputy prime minister categorically stated that he did not approve any summary in this regard till August 9, 2023, when their previous government completed its tenure.

Dar concluded by dismissing claims of dysfunction in the FBR's Track and Trace System during the previous government's tenure, attributing them to political manoeuvring.