Islamabad

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has underscored his government’s commitment to improving relations with neighboring countries, including India. Speaking at a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Dar mentioned that enhancing ties with neighboring nations is a top priority of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

We cannot change our neighbors, so it is crucial to improve relations with them, Dar stated, affirming Pakistan’s consistent stance on fostering better diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.

Addressing relations with Afghanistan, Dar expressed Pakistan’s desire for positive bilateral ties while noting concerns over incidents, including attacks on Chinese citizens allegedly orchestrated from across the border. The attacks aimed to harm Pakistan-China relations, and we urge Afghanistan to take action against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), he asserted.

Although Dar did not directly mention India, he has previously advocated for improving relations with India through confidence-building measures and dialogue. His remarks during the committee briefing reaffirm Pakistan’s intent to de-escalate tensions and normalize relations with India, consistent with earlier public statements.

Dar highlighted the importance of fostering better relations with India and Afghanistan as integral components of Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities. He mentioned the government’s commitment to engaging with strategic, traditional, and regional partners to promote peace and stability in the region.