Dar raises Kashmir, water dispute, terrorism at ASEAN Security Forum

MANILA: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday urged the international community to address longstanding regional disputes and emerging security challenges, highlighting the Kashmir issue, India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), terrorism, the Gaza crisis and climate change during the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Manila.

Addressing ministers and delegates from the 27-member forum, Dar outlined eight major challenges confronting regional and global peace, warning that failure to address them would undermine international efforts to achieve stability and prosperity.

Describing the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute as "the heart of regional instability" in South Asia, he reiterated Pakistan's support for a peaceful settlement in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

The deputy prime minister also criticised India's unilateral decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following last year's hostilities, describing the move as a serious provocation that required urgent international attention.

"We simply cannot afford to let this serious provocative development remain unaddressed," Dar said, urging the global community to support efforts for a peaceful resolution.

Turning to the Middle East, Dar highlighted Pakistan's diplomatic role in facilitating a ceasefire between the United States and Iran and helping revive high-level dialogue between the two countries after decades of estrangement.

He expressed hope that these efforts would contribute to lasting regional peace, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the restoration of normal commercial shipping, while calling for continued international support through diplomacy and dialogue.

On the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Dar described the crisis as deeply alarming and reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders.

The deputy prime minister also described terrorism as a common global challenge, noting that Pakistan had sacrificed more than 90,000 lives and suffered economic losses exceeding $150 billion in the fight against militancy.

He expressed concern over terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory, including the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), urging the Afghan Taliban to prevent the use of their territory for attacks against neighbouring countries.

"If these commitments are honoured, immense opportunities for regional trade, connectivity and economic development will emerge," he said.

Addressing other international issues, Dar reiterated Pakistan's support for a negotiated settlement of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, while urging restraint and peaceful engagement over tensions in the South China Sea.

He also reaffirmed Pakistan's adherence to the One-China Policy, recognising the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China.

Highlighting climate change, Dar said Pakistan remained among the countries most vulnerable to global warming despite contributing less than one per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. He called for stronger international cooperation to address the challenge and welcomed the adoption of the Manila Plan of Action 2026-2036, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to its implementation.

On the sidelines of the forum, Dar also held separate meetings with the foreign ministers of Oman, New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom, in addition to earlier engagements with his counterparts from Russia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas, senior officials of the Asian Development Bank and other participating delegations.