NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said the current government has successfully pulled Pakistan back from the brink of default, asserting that six more months under the previous PTI government would have led to bankruptcy.
Addressing the Pakistani community in New York, Dar said the economy has now stabilised, with ambitions to see Pakistan join the G20 group. He termed overseas Pakistanis the country’s greatest strength and pointed to major economic progress achieved over the past three years.
Dar claimed key indicators have improved, with global financial bodies acknowledging progress. He noted inflation had been significantly reduced and foreign reserves were rising. The vote of no confidence, he added, was a tough but essential move to prevent economic collapse.
On foreign affairs, Dar highlighted Pakistan’s proactive diplomacy, including a recent meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism, noting Islamabad had urged Afghan authorities to prevent cross-border militancy.
Dar reiterated Pakistan’s support for peaceful coexistence and sovereignty, renewing the country’s backing for a two-state solution in Palestine. On Aafia Siddiqui, he described her as “the daughter of Pakistan” and claimed all efforts, including direct appeals to former President Joe Biden, had been made for her release.
Discussing national security, Dar said Pakistan effectively countered Indian aggression, referencing the downing of Rafale jets, airspace restrictions, and global exposure of Indian propaganda. He praised Operation Bunyan Mursoos under FM Gen. Syed Asim Munir, calling it a strategic military success.
Separately, Dar noted that Pakistan and the United States are close to finalising a bilateral trade deal aimed at mutual benefit.
