Kashmir, IWT key regional challenges

Dar calls Kashmir dispute 'heart of regional instability'

SLAMABAD:

MANILA

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Thursday called upon the international community and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to support a peaceful resolution of core regional conflicts, emphasizing that the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute and Indian unilateral decision to hold Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remained at the heart of South Asian instability.

The deputy prime minister, addressing the 33rd ARF Ministerial Meeting, outlined eight key challenges threatening global and regional security, highlighting South Asian stability, the Gulf situation, Gaza, counter-terrorism, Afghanistan, Ukraine, the South China Sea, and climate change.

Expressing deep concern over India's unilateral decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, Dar warned that attempting to weaponize water resources violated international obligations and threatened the lives and livelihoods of 250 million people in Pakistan.

"We simply cannot afford to let this serious, provocative development remain unaddressed. Let us all be the architects of peace and stability and work together to address the challenges posed by arbitrary, illegal, unilateral actions," he commented.

He urged the international community, particularly ARF members, to address these arbitrary, illegal, and unilateral actions and uphold international law.

Australia

Pakistan and Australia on Thursday noted with concern the recent escalations in the region and stressed that dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law remained essential to achieving lasting peace, stability, and security.

The bilateral and regional ties were discussed in a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Foreign Minister of Australia Senator Penny Wong, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum here.

The two leaders discussed Pakistan–Australia bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation, including through regular high-level engagement. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.

New Zealand

Pakistan and New Zealand reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors, including trade, investment, sports, and people-to-people exchanges.

The bilateral ties were discussed during a meeting between DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Foreign Minister of New Zealand Winston Peters, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum here.

In the meeting, the two leaders reviewed Pakistan–New Zealand bilateral relations, and emphasized enhancing institutional linkages, regular engagement, and high-level exchanges.

Besides exchanging views on regional and international developments, the two leaders agreed to remain in close contact.

Foreign Minister Peters appreciated Pakistan's constructive role during the recent US-Iran tensions and its efforts to promote dialogue, de-escalation, and regional peace.