- DPM Dar unveils Pakistan’s ‘diplomatic reset,’ describing it as ‘one of the most active phases in country’s recent diplomatic history’
- Highlights UNSC presidency, US and UK visits, OIC role on Palestine, and CPEC expansion into Afghanistan
- Says from UN to OIC, Pakistan asserted principled stance on peace, Palestine, and regional stability
- Claims trade, connectivity, and diaspora facilitation placed at heart of foreign policy reset
ISLAMABAD: We are not just reacting; we are shaping regional conversations and global dialogues, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM/FM) Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar said on Friday, unveiling Pakistan’s diplomatic reset which he described as “one of the most active phases in the country’s recent diplomatic history.”
Addressing a media briefing at the Foreign Office, Dar presented details of his high-stakes visits, policy discussions, and multilateral engagements during July and August, stressing that Pakistan’s foreign policy vision is anchored in regional peace, global connectivity, trade revival, and principled international advocacy.
🔴LIVE: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister’s Media Briefing 29-08-2025 https://t.co/4NBFqivAff
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 29, 2025
He highlighted Pakistan’s July presidency of the UN Security Council, where the country chaired multiple sessions, including one on Palestine. “A unanimous resolution calling for peaceful conflict resolution was adopted under Pakistan’s leadership—a diplomatic milestone,” he said.
In Washington on July 28, Dar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for what he termed a “frank and constructive” exchange on bilateral, regional, and global issues. He also addressed think tanks such as the Atlantic Council, clarifying that his remarks on judicial independence had been misinterpreted. “The judiciary operates independently in Pakistan. Twisting English remarks for political mileage is unfortunate,” he noted.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestine, citing his participation in the France-Saudi co-hosted international conference and the OIC Emergency Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Jeddah on August 25. At the OIC, Pakistan categorically rejected the so-called ‘Greater Israel’ plan, terming it “illegitimate and unacceptable.”
He also disclosed Pakistan’s quiet diplomatic efforts during the Iran-Israel conflict, noting that “sincere engagement” led to Iran publicly acknowledging Pakistan as a true friend. “The Iranian parliamentarians chanted ‘Shukriya Pakistan’ in their parliament—that speaks volumes,” he added.
On his August 20 trilateral visit to Kabul with Chinese and Afghan foreign ministers, Dar described the talks as “productive and strategic,” covering refugees, border security, trade, and infrastructure. The three sides agreed on the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan railway, while China agreed in principle to extend CPEC into Afghanistan.
In Bangladesh (August 23–24), Dar engaged in what he called a “rare full-spectrum diplomatic outreach,” meeting leadership from all major parties, including the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami. Six MoUs were signed in areas including visa waivers, trade cooperation, and cultural exchange. He also emphasized the need to revive SAARC, noting Bangladesh’s support but pointing out that “one state’s resistance remains a hurdle.”
During his August 17–19 UK visit, Dar met Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, parliamentarians, and the Commonwealth Secretary-General. He launched major diaspora-focused services at the Pakistan High Commission in London, including digitized Punjab land records and a ‘One-Window’ passport issuance system. He also announced the lifting of UK flight restrictions on PIA, after the earlier EU ban was removed in November 2024. “Flights to Manchester will resume in September, and a UK-Pakistan Business Advisory Council has been launched to increase trade and investment flows,” he stated.
Dar further announced that Pakistan and China will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026 with a series of cultural and economic events. He said China had shown growing interest in agriculture, mining, and industrial investment, and confirmed that 1,000 Pakistani graduates are being sent to China for advanced training in agricultural sciences. Pakistan’s position on the One China Policy remains unchanged, he stressed, highlighting Beijing’s consistent support on Kashmir.
Summing up, Dar said Pakistan has transitioned to a proactive and confident diplomatic track.
