NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Ishaq Dar has expressed Pakistan’s readiness to engage in comprehensive dialogue with India, emphasizing that the discussion must go beyond terrorism alone.
Speaking at a news conference in New York, Dar stressed that Pakistan has been among the countries most affected by terrorism, a point he said was acknowledged by the US Secretary of State during their recent bilateral meeting. He added that the unresolved Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) dispute was also discussed, underscoring that sustainable peace in the region is not possible without addressing this longstanding issue. He recalled that even US President Donald Trump had raised the matter on multiple occasions.
On the Indus Waters Treaty, Dar reaffirmed that the agreement is binding and cannot be altered or terminated unilaterally. He warned that any attempt by India to block or divert Pakistan’s share of water would be deemed unacceptable and considered an act of war.
When asked about Israel, Dar categorically stated that Pakistan has no plans to recognize the state. He called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urgent humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for a sovereign and independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Describing his US visit as productive, the Deputy Prime Minister said Pakistan strongly advocated for reforms in the UN Security Council, particularly for enhanced representation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
He also addressed ongoing legal proceedings against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, clarifying that the matter lies entirely within the judiciary’s domain.
Regarding economic discussions, Dar shared that he had spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about trade and tariffs. He noted that Pakistan’s Finance Minister will soon arrive in the US for further negotiations, with a trade agreement expected within two to three days.
In his address at a UN conference on the two-state solution, Dar condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating that the region has become a “graveyard for human rights.” He called for an end to war crimes and demanded that Palestine be granted full membership in the United Nations.
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