Pakistan ready for talks with India: Ishaq Dar

NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that peace in South Asia is impossible without resolving the Kashmir dispute.

Speaking to the media in New York, Dar said the United States has also spoken about a ceasefire and negotiations in the region. He stressed that Pakistan is ready for comprehensive talks with India, anywhere in the world.

“We have conveyed clearly that without dialogue, peace cannot be ensured in the region,” he said. “India insists on bilateral talks but does not take practical steps.”

Dar criticised Indian officials who say talks will only happen on terrorism. “Such a stance is unacceptable,” he said. “We have asked the US to mediate and put pressure on India.”

He said Pakistan is always ready for composite dialogue with India. “Whenever India wants to initiate such talks, we will respond positively.”

Dar also shared that a tariff agreement between Pakistan and the US is expected in the next two to three days.

About China, he said, “We had, have, and will always have an iron brotherhood with China.” He added that Pakistan also wants to strengthen ties with the US.

Dar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday and invited him to visit Pakistan. “Talks are ongoing regarding a possible visit by the U.S. President to Pakistan,” he said, adding that it may take place after September, though no final date has been decided yet.

Dar called the US visit successful in every aspect. “We held open discussions on bilateral and regional issues,” he said. He also met with officials from Saudi Arabia, the UK, Bangladesh, Kuwait, and Palestine.

Read more: Aurangzeb departs for US to finalise Pakistan-US trade dialogue

On the sidelines of the UNGA, Pakistan held eight bilateral meetings. Dar highlighted that former US President Donald Trump had intervened multiple times to stop India-Pakistan wars. “He was even nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for it.”

He appreciated the efforts of the Pakistan Army under COAS Gen Asim Munir for maintaining peace and security. “Our brave forces are dealing with the terrorism challenge,” he said.

Dar confirmed that a ceasefire is currently holding along the Line of Control. “The Indus Waters Treaty cannot be unilaterally scrapped or changed by any party,” he warned. “Pakistan will not give up a single drop of its water.”

“If India tries to divert water, it will be considered an act of war,” Dar said.

He noted that relations with Iran are warming after years. “Iran has now realised who their true friends are,” he said. “We’ll continue dialogue with Tehran.”

Dar also said talks are ongoing with Afghanistan, and foreign ministers of China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan will soon meet in Kabul.

Talking about the OIC, he said Pakistan is a founding member of the 57-nation Islamic bloc. “We ensured the appointment of a permanent envoy on Islamophobia,” he added.

Dar said Pakistan presented a strong statement at the UN conference and raised the issues of Kashmir and Palestine. “There must be an immediate end to war in Gaza,” he demanded.

“The Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands must end. Over 58,000 Palestinians have been martyred in Gaza. There must be accountability,” Dar stressed. “Children, women, and the elderly are dying of hunger.”

He reiterated that Pakistan has no plans to recognise Israel.

Dar also took part in the UN forum on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “Despite challenges like COVID-19, we achieved 35% of Millennium Development Goals,” he claimed.

He said Pakistan has shown strong performance and is determined to meet development targets. “Many major initiatives taken by Pakistan are now recognised globally.”

He added that the idea of the Benazir Income Support Programme was presented during the 2008 coalition government of PPP and PML-N. “The programme started with Rs34 billion and now stands at Rs700 billion,” he noted.