ISLAMABAD, Jan 3: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, underscored that the process of normalising relations with India hinges on a mutual willingness to engage.
While addressing reporters at the Foreign Office on Thursday, Dar shed light on Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives since the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government assumed power last year.
When questioned about the state of Pakistan-India relations, he emphasized that it necessitates collaborative efforts, stating, “It takes two to tango.”
Additionally, Dar indicated his upcoming visit to Bangladesh next month, as Islamabad seeks to strengthen its ties with Dhaka following the recent political changes after the ousting of the Hasina government last August.
“Bangladesh is like a lost brother. We are focused on enhancing economic and trade collaboration,” he remarked, revealing that he received a formal invitation from Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Muhamad Yunus, during a discussion in Cairo.
Yunus took office as Chief Adviser following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, during protests led by students.
In earlier comments, Dar dismissed assertions of Pakistan’s diplomatic isolation, stating, “When we took office, there was a perception of diplomatic isolation. However, by broadening our diplomatic outreach and engaging with neighboring countries, this view has shifted.”
On the situation in Afghanistan, Dar expressed Pakistan’s intent to strengthen relations with Kabul but acknowledged that terrorism poses a significant challenge.
He noted the postponement of planned visits to Kabul due to terrorist incidents and criticized the former intelligence chief, Gen Faiz Hameed, for engaging in discussions with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which, although a separate entity, maintains a close alliance with the Afghan Taliban.
Since the Afghan Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Pakistan has seen a rise in terrorist activities and has urged the Kabul regime to take action against terrorists operating from its territory against Pakistan.
Dar also announced the appointment of former Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood as the Secretary General of the D-8 Developing Eight Forum, based in Istanbul, with a term commencing on January 1, 2026.
He highlighted advancements in Pakistan’s nuclear energy sector, revealing the initiation of the Chashma 5 (C-5) nuclear power project, which was concluded with China in 2023 after completing the K2 and K3 projects.
In her final briefing, outgoing Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch dispelled rumors concerning the military utilization of Gwadar port. “Gwadar port is intended for Pakistan’s development, established with the assistance of China,” she affirmed. (PTI)
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