FM Dar hopeful of progress in US‑Iran talks, urges peaceful settlement through negotiations
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar briefs members of the diplomatic corps at the Foreign Office in Islamabad on the first anniversary of “Marka-e-Haq” on Tuesday. Photo: X/ FO
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday expressed hope that Pakistan’s mediation efforts in talks between the United States and Iran to end the Middle East conflict would reach an advanced stage and eventually conclude, terming it essential for global peace and the world economy.
FM Dar briefed members of the diplomatic corps and ambassadors at an event held at the Foreign Office in Islamabad on the first anniversary of “Marka-e-Haq”.
He also apprised participants of Pakistan’s facilitative and mediating role in supporting ceasefire efforts and promoting peace in the Gulf region and the broader Middle East.
Read: Saudi Arabia urges restraint, support for Pakistani mediation toward US-Iran settlement
Referring to the Iran-US peace talks held in Islamabad, he said Pakistan had ensured progress by convincing the parties to agree to a ceasefire and facilitating engagement following their first direct talks in 47 years.
“I am happy to say that things proceeded and progressed very positively, but the parties needed to go back to their capitals and the leadership for the consultation,” he said.
The deputy prime minister expressed gratitude to both sides, adding that the top priority was to conclude the matter in a dignified manner, as it was the need of the region.
He said Pakistan’s objective was to continue engaging both sides as an honest facilitator and mediator to negotiate and reach a peaceful settlement. “This is needed for the region, this is needed for the globe, this is needed for the economy of the world,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar briefed the Diplomatic Corps on the first anniversary of #MarkaEHaq, describing it as a symbol of Pakistan’s unity, resilience, and the unwavering resolve of its Armed Forces to defend the country’s sovereignty and… pic.twitter.com/i5CaPGebh2
He added that Pakistan’s aim as a facilitator was to bring the conflict to an end as soon as possible.
“We are very glad that it has reached a very advanced level, and we still hope it will reach a very advanced level and will eventually conclude, said FM Dar.
He described Marka-e-Haq as a symbol of Pakistan’s unity, resilience, and the unwavering resolve of its armed forces to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while underscoring the determination of the nation and armed forces to safeguard sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence.
The foreign minister said Pakistan’s response during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos was measured, lawful, and consistent with the UN Charter, targeting only military installations, while warning of the risks of escalation, harm to civilians, and threats to regional peace and security.
He warned India against any “misadventure”, recalling past consequences during “Marka-e-Haq”. “Any misadventure against Pakistan will be met with full might, resolve and determination,” he said.
Highlighting the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he said the struggle of the Kashmiri people for self-determination could not be suppressed.
“The legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for self-determination cannot be suppressed by the Indian occupation and urged India to take immediate and meaningful steps towards a just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people,” he said.
“India’s persistent reliance on unilateralism and jingoism is a threat to regional peace and stability,” he added, saying Pakistan remained committed to multilateralism and peaceful resolution of disputes.
FM Dar also expressed concern over India’s unilateral action regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, saying the National Security Committee had made it clear that any attempt to stop or divert water allocated to Pakistan under the treaty would be considered an act of war.
The deputy prime minister pointed to unexplained fluctuations in river flows in recent periods.
“Beyond India’s unilateral decision to hold Indus Water Treaty in abeyance and its attempts to politicise shared water resources, Pakistan has observed a concerning pattern of irregular and unexplained fluctuations in the river flows over the recent period, raising serious questions regarding compliance with established treaty obligations,” he said.
He termed the pattern “worrying” and called for full transparency and data sharing under the treaty.