'We must not let this opportunity slip through our hands': Dar on US-Iran peace efforts

Says Pakistan did 'everything within its capacity', urges continued regional stability efforts at ASEAN forum

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday urged the international community not to let the recent diplomatic gains in the Gulf go to waste, saying "we must not let this opportunity slip through our hands", as he called for sustained dialogue to secure lasting peace, according to a post shared by the Foreign Office (FO).

Dar, along with his delegation, arrived in Manila on Wednesday and is scheduled to take part in the ARF Plenary meeting as well as hold a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts on the sidelines of the forum.

Addressing the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting, Dar said the recent developments in the Gulf had affected countries across the region and stressed that Pakistan had done "everything within its capacity" to help restore peace and stability.

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Statement by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 at the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting, Manila, Philippines (23 July 2026)

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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 23, 2026

"We cannot afford to ignore these developments," he said.

Dar said Pakistan had played its role in facilitating the ceasefire by convening the Islamabad Talks after 47 years, followed by the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding in Burgenstock. "We deeply appreciate the confidence entrusted in Pakistan by the United States, Iran, Gulf countries, and all our friends to steer these efforts," he said.

Describing the progress as "hard-earned achievements through dialogue and diplomacy", Dar warned, "We must not let this opportunity slip through our hands."

He said Pakistan remained committed to every effort aimed at establishing peace and stability in the region and urged all parties to exercise restraint, honour their commitments and pursue peaceful engagement.

He expressed hope that continued diplomacy would contribute to regional stability, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of normal shipping, adding that the international community should continue supporting these efforts through "sustained dialogue, diplomacy, and constructive engagement".

Dar began his address by thanking the Philippines for hosting the meeting and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as ASEAN marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 attended the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Manila today. He congratulated the Philippines on its successful Chairship of ASEAN and the ARF. The DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s… pic.twitter.com/2Mk7LbMsgy

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 23, 2026

He described the ARF as "an indispensable pillar of the regional security architecture" and welcomed the adoption of the Manila Plan of Action (2026-2036), saying Pakistan remained committed to its effective implementation.

Turning to South Asia, Dar said the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute remained "at the heart of regional instability" and reiterated Pakistan's support for a "just and peaceful settlement" in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

He also criticised India's decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, saying Islamabad remained "deeply concerned" by what it viewed as an illegal unilateral move to "weaponise water resources". The step, he said, threatened the lives and livelihoods of Pakistan's 240 million people.

"We cannot afford to let this serious provocative development remain unaddressed," he said and urged ARF members and the wider international community to uphold international law and support a peaceful resolution of these issues.

On Gaza, Dar said the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory remained deeply alarming.

The foreign minister went on, "Our collective failure to prevent the genocidal streak unleashed in Gaza raises serious questions about our collective conscience as human beings and about our ability to prevent the continued atrocities in the region."

He reiterated Pakistan's unwavering support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and for the establishment of an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Addressing terrorism, Dar said Pakistan had been at the forefront of the global fight against the menace. "No country outside active conflict zones has made sacrifices comparable to Pakistan," adding that the country had lost more than 80,000 lives and suffered colossal economic losses.

Video of the statement by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 at the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting, Manila, Philippines (23 July 2026) pic.twitter.com/DT2Ax8tcTT

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 23, 2026

Dar vowed that Pakistan was determined to fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

He said Pakistan continued to face terrorist threats originating from across its borders, specifically naming the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)/Fitna al-Hindustan and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)/Fitna-e-Khawarij, which he said continued to exploit Afghan territory to launch attacks against Pakistan.

Dar said Pakistan had "only one expectation" from the Afghan Taliban, that Afghan territory should not be allowed to be used for terrorism against Pakistan. If those commitments were honoured, he said, there would be immense opportunities for trade, connectivity and socio-economic development across South and Central Asia.

"I would like to use this important ARF platform to call upon the Afghan Taliban regime and all abettors of terrorism in the region to refrain from allowing Afghan territory to be used against its neighbours or anyone else," Dar said.

The foreign minister said Pakistan also supported all diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, reaffirming its commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes and the non-use of force. "Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable path to peace," he said.

On the South China Sea, Dar said Pakistan supported the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the UN Charter and urged all parties to resolve differences through dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect. He also reiterated Pakistan's firm commitment to the One-China Principle.

Highlighting climate change, Dar said Pakistan remained among the countries most vulnerable to its impacts and was pursuing an ambitious climate agenda, including expanding clean energy and implementing its Nationally Determined Contributions. He called for stronger international cooperation based on the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities".

Concluding his speech, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the objectives and principles of the ASEAN Regional Forum, urging member states to work together towards "a peaceful, inclusive and resilient region where sovereign equality, mutual respect and dialogue remain the foundation of our shared future."

Dar departs Philippines for Kyrgyz Republic

Following the address, Dar departed Manila and left for Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, where he will lead Pakistan's delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting, the Foreign Office (FO) said.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, after the conclusion of his successful visit to Manila for the 33rd ARF, has departed for Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign… pic.twitter.com/jKNwkZXFGV

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 23, 2026

FO said Dar had concluded what it described as a "successful visit" to Manila for the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum.

Before departing, Dar expressed his "appreciation and gratitude" to the Philippine government and the ASEAN Regional Forum team for the "gracious hospitality" extended to him and the Pakistani delegation during their stay in Manila, the FO added.

The two-day SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting will be held on July 23-24 in Cholpon-Ata at the invitation of Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev, according to an FO curtain-raiser.

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Curtain Raiser: Visit of the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister to Kyrgyz Republic to attend the Meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), 23-24 July, 2026

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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 23, 2026

The Foreign Office said Dar would "lead the Pakistan delegation" to the CFM, describing it as "the third highest forum in the SCO format" that "focuses on the issues of international relations, as well as the foreign and security policies of SCO."

Foreign ministers from all SCO member states — Pakistan, China, Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan — are expected to participate in the meeting.

During the visit, Dar is also scheduled to call on the President of the Kyrgyz Republic and hold a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from SCO member states on the sidelines of the ministerial gathering, the FO said.

Dar, British foreign secretary commit to strengthening ties

Separately, Dar met Britain's Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband on the sidelines of the forum, where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-UK ties and stressed the importance of continued dialogue to maintain regional peace and stability, the FO said.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met today with the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt. Hon. Ed Miliband, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum #ARF2026 in Manila.

DPM/FM… pic.twitter.com/xuy49gal6u

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 23, 2026

According to the FO, Dar congratulated Miliband on his appointment as the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and wished him success in his new role.

The two leaders reaffirmed their "shared commitment to further strengthening the longstanding Pakistan-UK partnership", the Foreign Office said.

During the meeting, Miliband "appreciated the valuable contribution of the Pakistani diaspora to the United Kingdom and its role in further strengthening bilateral ties." The two ministers also discussed regional and international developments, including the prevailing security situation in the region.

FO said Miliband "appreciated Pakistan's continued efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation during the recent US-Iran tensions."

Both sides expressed concern over the recent escalation in the region and underscored "the importance of continued dialogue, diplomacy, and sustained efforts towards lasting peace and stability."

FM Dar, Australian counterpart discuss regional tensions

Earlier, Dar met Australia's Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong on the sidelines of the Forum, where both sides expressed concern over the recent escalation in the region and stressed diplomacy, FO said.

According to the FO, the two foreign ministers reviewed Pakistan-Australia bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation through regular high-level engagement.

"The two leaders discussed Pakistan-Australia bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation, including through regular high-level engagement," the Foreign Office said in a post on X.

On the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum #ARF2026 in Manila, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with Senator Penny Wong, Foreign Minister of Australia.

The two leaders discussed Pakistan–Australia bilateral relations and… pic.twitter.com/FidErMB0qQ

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 23, 2026

Dar and Wong also exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments during their meeting. The FO said Wong appreciated Pakistan's "constructive role in promoting dialogue and de-escalation".

Both sides also expressed concern over the recent escalation in the region and stressed that "dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law remain essential to achieving lasting peace, stability, and security", according to the statement.

Dar meets Omani foreign minister

Earlier, Dar met Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, where the two sides agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international developments, the FO said.

According to the FO, the two foreign ministers expressed satisfaction over the "positive trajectory" of relations between Pakistan and Oman and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum #ARF2026 in Manila.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the… pic.twitter.com/X42Ucbav5g

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 23, 2026

"They agreed to further strengthen collaboration through high-level exchanges, enhanced trade and investment, people-to-people contacts, stronger business-to-business linkages, and continued coordination at multilateral forums," the FO said in a post on X.

The two ministers also discussed the latest regional and international developments during their meeting.

Read: Dar urges ADB to expedite financing for ML-1 railway project

The FO said the Omani foreign minister appreciated Pakistan's "constructive role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and regional peace and security".

Both sides also expressed concern over recent developments in the region and stressed "the importance of upholding the ceasefire, respecting international law, and working towards lasting peace and stability in the region", according to the FO. The two ministers agreed to remain in close contact, the statement added.

On his first full day in Manila, Dar held a series of diplomatic engagements ahead of the ASEAN Regional Forum ministerial meeting. He met senior Asian Development Bank (ADB) officials at the bank's headquarters, where he urged the lender to expedite financing for Pakistan's Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project and reaffirmed their more than six-decade partnership, and discussed expanding cooperation in various sectors.

Dar also held separate meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rehman. During his talks with Lavrov, the two reviewed Pakistan-Russia ties, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, energy and connectivity. In his meeting with Rehman, the two ministers reviewed what the Foreign Office described as the "positive trajectory" of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and reaffirmed their commitment to building on the momentum generated by Dar's visit to Bangladesh last year.

The week-long summit, which will run through July 24, gathers foreign ministers and top diplomats from ASEAN nations and major powers to discuss issues surrounding geopolitical challenges, energy supplies, trade, food, security cooperation, Myanmar civil war and the Five-Point Consensus, as well as the impacts of the US-Iran conflict.

US Secretary of ​State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will join the ASEAN-led meeting in the coming days and could meet on the sidelines. Also attending will be ​India, Japan, Australia, South ⁠Korea, Russia, Britain and the European Union, among others.

Southeast Asia, a major oil importer with a combined gross domestic product of $3.8 trillion, is highly exposed to the supply crunch and has sought to fast-track an ASEAN oil-sharing mechanism to ​mitigate the impact.