Pakistan prepared to navigate a rapidly transforming global order amid multi-polarity: Dar

• DPM Dar says Pakistan believes in resolving disputes through dialogue, diplomacy, while reaffirms stance on Kashmir & Gaza

• Reaffirms Jammu and Kashmir, Gaza and regional security as core national priorities

• Highlights measured military and diplomatic response against Indian provocations, saying ‘all-weather’ ties with China deepened via CPEC 2.0 and strategic dialogue

 ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, stressing that the country is fully prepared to navigate a rapidly evolving international order while maintaining its positions on Jammu and Kashmir, Gaza, and regional security, state media reported.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Pakistan Governance Forum 2026, Dar said the global system established after the Second World War was “in flux,” with norms, institutions, and alliances undergoing rapid transformation.

پاکستان کی خارجہ پالیسی نئی زمینی حقائق کا مؤثر جواب دینے کی مکمل صلاحیت رکھتی ہے، ہماری اولین ترجیح اپنے عوام کا تحفظ اور خودمختاری و علاقائی سالمیت کا دفاع ہے۔ مشرقی سرحد پر اشتعال انگیزی اور مغربی جانب سے درپیش دہشت گردی ہمارے عزم کو متزلزل نہیں کر سکے۔ پاکستان امن، مکالمے اور… pic.twitter.com/gweuSmlPX2

— The Thursday Times (@thursday_times) February 25, 2026

“The emerging trends are multi-polarity, mini-lateralism, and mounting geopolitical contestation,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s foreign policy was well-equipped to respond to these new realities. He emphasized that the security of Pakistan’s people and the protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity remain the country’s foremost priorities.

Dar highlighted that persistent provocations from Pakistan’s eastern neighbour and terrorism emanating from across its western border had not diminished Islamabad’s commitment to peace and dialogue. He described the unresolved dispute over Jammu and Kashmir as central to regional instability.

مظلوم کشمیریوں کو اقوام متحدہ کی قراردادوں کے مطابق حق خودارادیت ملنا چاہیے، اسحاق ڈار#IshaqDar #Kashmir #SelfDetermination #UNResolutions #HumanRights #PakistanNews #KashmiriStruggle #JusticeForKashmir #InternationalLaw #PoliticalStatement pic.twitter.com/8iSHjcwPON

— APP (@appcsocialmedia) February 25, 2026

“Pakistan continues to call for a just and peaceful resolution of the dispute in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination,” he said. Dar reiterated Islamabad’s demand for the reversal of India’s August 5, 2019 measures in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. At the same time, he underscored that Pakistan possesses both the will and capability to defend itself, citing measured military and diplomatic responses to Indian actions in May 2025.

Turning to major power relations, Dar said Pakistan’s “all-weather” partnership with China was deepening through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0 and sustained strategic dialogue. He noted that during his January visit to Beijing, both sides reaffirmed convergence on Afghanistan, Jammu and Kashmir, water security, and counter-terrorism.

He added that Pakistan had reinvigorated ties with the United States, expanding cooperation beyond traditional security areas to trade, technology, and investment, citing recent engagements involving Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Dar also highlighted strengthened regional partnerships, including a substantive renewal of ties with Bangladesh after a 12-year hiatus in high-level exchanges. He noted the launch of a trilateral mechanism involving China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh to promote regional cooperation.

In the Middle East, he cited a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia signed in September last year, alongside expanded economic cooperation with the UAE, Qatar, and other Gulf states.

Dar said Pakistan’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2025–26 term, by an overwhelming majority, reflected international confidence in its diplomacy. Since assuming its seat, Pakistan has advocated for peaceful conflict resolution, adherence to international law, and protection of civilians.

On Gaza, he said Pakistan has used multilateral platforms to press for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and a durable two-state solution. He reiterated support for a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Regarding developments in Iran, Dar said Pakistan is engaging all parties to defuse tensions and promote dialogue, including direct contacts with U.S. and Iranian counterparts.

He stressed that economic diplomacy is central to Pakistan’s foreign policy, with a focus on investment, information technology, minerals, agriculture, and halal food sectors. The Foreign Office is coordinating with economic ministries through a whole-of-government approach to advance these objectives.

On climate change, Dar described Pakistan as one of the countries most vulnerable to its impacts despite minimal contribution to global emissions. He said Islamabad will continue advocating for climate finance, loss and damage funding, and adaptation support in multilateral forums, including during its UN Security Council tenure.

“Pakistan’s approach will remain anchored in protecting our core national interests through peaceful means, meaningful dialogue, and engagement,” he said, adding that leadership-level diplomacy will remain a key instrument in advancing the country’s objectives.