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Express Tribune
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan makes peace overture to India
DPM Ishaq Dar addressing international conference on 'Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution' at UN on Monday. Photo : Listen to article In a renewed bid for regional peace, Pakistan on Tuesday extended an olive branch to India, offering to resume comprehensive talks to resolve all outstanding disputes between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, including the decades-old Kashmir issue. Speaking at a news conference in New York, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also serves as the country's foreign minister, reiterated Pakistan's willingness for "composite dialogue," emphasizing that any future engagement must go beyond the issue of terrorism. "Pakistan has itself been one of the biggest victims of terrorism," Dar said, adding that the offer was made in good faith and with the aim of achieving durable peace in South Asia. The foreign minister asserted that there could not be lasting peace in the region without resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He said even US President Donald Trump had repeatedly acknowledged the importance of the issue. Dar's comments came after his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the meeting, both leaders discussed regional security and Pakistan's contributions to the global war on terror. "Secretary Rubio recognized Pakistan's sacrifices," Dar said. On the Indus Waters Treaty, he reaffirmed Islamabad's position that the agreement is legally binding and cannot be altered unilaterally. He warned that any attempts by India to divert or block Pakistan's share of river waters would be unacceptable. In response to a question on Israel, he made it clear that Pakistan has no plans to establish diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv. He called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and reiterated Pakistan's support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital. Earlier in the day, the foreign minister addressed the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and Implementation of the Two-State Solution. In a strongly-worded speech, he condemned Israeli actions in Gaza and called for urgent international intervention. "For over 75 years, the Palestinian people have endured occupation, displacement and denial of their fundamental rights," Dar said. "Gaza is now a graveyard of international law." He cited the killing of over 58,000 Palestinians — mostly women and children — as a "grave breach of international humanitarian law" and called for accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity. "This collective punishment must stop now," he declared. Dar outlined Pakistan's key demands that include an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire across Gaza and all occupied Palestinian territories, full and unimpeded humanitarian access, political and financial reinforcement for UNRWA and end to Israeli impunity through international accountability mechanisms and a genuine and irreversible political process toward a two-state solution. He welcomed France's recent decision to recognize Palestine and urged other nations to follow suit. He also supported the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) proposal for an international protection mechanism for Palestinians and pledged to contribute technical and institutional assistance in areas like public health, education, and governance. "The occupation must end and end now," he demanded. "The best guarantee for lasting peace is freedom, self-determination, and full UN membership for Palestine."
Business Recorder
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Dar tells UN moot on two-state solution: Israeli ‘occupation must end, and it must end now'
ISLAMABAD: The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, underscored that the question of Palestine remains a moral imperative and a litmus test for the international community. He declared, 'The occupation must end, and it must end now. It is time for freedom, self-determination, and statehood for Palestine.' Dar took part in the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, where he delivered an important statement. The conference is being co-chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France. Pakistan, Turkiye call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza amid grave 'humanitarian catastrophe' Commending the leadership of the co-chairs and the contributions of the eight working groups, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's active engagement and commitment to meaningful outcomes from the conference. He strongly condemned Israel's continued aggression in Gaza, calling it 'a graveyard of international law and humanitarian principles,' and cited the killing of over 58,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, as a flagrant violation of international law, UN resolutions, and the ICJ measures. Calling for urgent international action, Dar stressed the need for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire; unhindered humanitarian access; support for UNRWA; accountability for war crimes; and reinvigoration of a genuine political process for a two-state solution. He also called for full UN membership and universal recognition of Palestine. He emphasised that the conference must produce actionable commitments to reaffirm the centrality of the two-state solution, demand Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, support its reconstruction in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2735 and the OIC-Arab Plan, and reject forced displacement, demographic manipulation, settlements, and annexation. Welcoming France's decision to recognise the State of Palestine, Dar encouraged others to follow. He expressed Pakistan's readiness to provide technical assistance, capacity building, and support for the Arab-OIC Plan and any international protection mechanism. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Dar reaffirms Pakistan's support for independent Palestinian state at UN
DPM Ishaq Dar addressing international conference on 'Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution' at UN on Monday. Photo : Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for Palestine's right to an independent state, emphasising the importance of the pre-1967 borders. Speaking at the United Nations High-Level International Conference on "The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution" in New York, Dar highlighted his nation's long-standing stance on the Palestinian issue. "For over 75 years, the Palestinian people have endured occupation, displacement, and the denial of their fundamental rights," said Dar, addressing the assembled diplomats and officials. Statement by Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar* Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan *At the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution* (28 July 2025) *** Honourable… — Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) July 28, 2025 The Foreign Minister condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, particularly the deaths of over 58,000 Palestinians, calling it "an unconscionable breach of international humanitarian law." He stated that the situation violates United Nations resolutions and the binding decisions of the International Court of Justice. Dar urged for an "unconditional, immediate, and permanent ceasefire" across Gaza and all Palestinian-occupied territories, stressing the importance of protecting civilians and adhering to international laws. In addition, Dar called for "full and unimpeded humanitarian access," particularly the delivery of life-saving food and medicines to Gaza. He also highlighted the need for the protection of humanitarian teams working on the ground.
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pakistan ready for composite dialogue with India, says DPM Dar
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said Pakistan is ready for dialogue with India, adding that Pakistan seeks a composite dialogue that includes Kashmir as well as other issues, including the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), APP reported. Addressing a news conference in New York, Dar emphasised the dialogue will not be limited to the issue of terrorism alone. He reiterated Pakistan has been the biggest victim of terrorism and noted that the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a meeting with him, acknowledged Pakistan's sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. The foreign minister said, during this bilateral meeting, the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute was also raised, emphasising that 'permanent peace is not possible in the region without resolution of this dispute'. He recalled that the US President Donald Trump had also raised the Kashmir issue multiple times. As regards to the IWT, Dar said Pakistan's stance is very clear. He said the IWT is binding and no single party can terminate or amend it. He firmly stated that any attempt to divert or block Pakistan's share of water would be unacceptable. India's defence minister rejects Trump's ceasefire claim India suspended the treaty on April 23, 2025; one day after the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, blaming Pakistan for the attack without any evidence. Pakistan firmly denied any involvement in the attack. Pakistan has repeatedly shared its stance that if India blocks Pakistan's strategic waters, it will be considered an act of war, since millions depend on these waters for agriculture and hence food security is directly linked with uninterrupted water flow. In a move that directly clashes with international norms, and IWT's own clauses, India pulled out of treaty unilaterally, a move that is being acknowledge worldwide as politically motivated. The treaty was signed in 1960 and the World Bank is a facilitator, often dubbed a protector, whenever any disagreement occurs on this water-sharing deal. Responding to a question, the deputy prime minister made it clear that Pakistan has no plan to recognise Israel. He demanded immediate ceasefire in Gaza and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. He reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital. Describing his US visit as successful, FM Dar said Pakistan has also raised voice for reforms in the UN Security Council emphasising that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) should be given due representation in the world body. On relations with the neighbouring Muslim countries, Dar highlighted Pakistan's outreach to Afghanistan, with a view to enhancing regional connectivity through rail and trade corridors to Central Asia. Pakistan's relations with Iran have also greatly improved, he said. 'I am fully satisfied with the role Pakistan played in enhancing its relations With Iran,' the foreign minister added.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan ready for composite dialogue with India, says Dar
Listen to article In another overture of peace, Pakistan on Tuesday once again extended the olive branch to arch-rival India and has offered composite dialogue with New Delhi to settle outstanding issues between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The latest offer was extended by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Addressing a news conference in New York, he stated that the dialogue would not be limited to terrorism, stressing that Pakistan has been one of the biggest victims of terrorism. Dar also noted that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged Pakistan's sacrifices in the war against terrorism during a recent meeting. The deputy prime minister further elaborated that during the bilateral meeting with Rubio, the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute was also discussed. He underscored that permanent peace in the region is not possible without a resolution of the Kashmir issue, recalling that US President Donald Trump had raised the matter multiple times. Speaking on the Indus Waters Treaty, the foreign minister said Islamabad's stance is clear: the treaty is binding, and no single party can unilaterally terminate or amend it. He reiterated earlier warnings by the country's leadership that any attempt to divert or block Pakistan's share of water would be unacceptable. Responding to another question, Dar stated that Pakistan has no plans to recognise Israel. He called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. He also reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Dar described his visit to the United States as successful, noting that Pakistan raised its voice for reforms in the United Nations Security Council and stressed that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) should be granted due representation in the global body. The recent conflict between Pakistan and India marked a major military escalation between the two nuclear powers. Tension between Pakistan and India increased after the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 tourists. New Delhi immediately blamed Islamabad without providing any evidence. It also took a raft of major diplomatic measures to downgrade its ties with Pakistan. Read: India hardens position on Pahalgam attack Islamabad denied the allegations and offered an impartial probe into the incident. On the night of May 7, the Indian Air Force launched an unprovoked attack on civilian targets in Pakistan. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) immediately retaliated and shot down at least six IAF jets, including three French-built Rafales. Read more: Decoding defeat: Five times Indian military officials admitted losses against Pakistan Escalating further, on the night of 9–10 May, India launched another round of strikes against Pakistan, but this time targeted military sites and airbases. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, striking back at Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases and other strategic targets. The early morning strikes came as a shock for the Indian military leadership, who had underestimated Pakistan's response to their unprovoked attacks. As the conflict spiralled, US President Donald Trump announced on May 10 that a ceasefire had been reached following intense diplomatic efforts overnight. The two sides gradually reduced troop numbers from the international border in the following weeks. A tense calm prevails between the two countries, with India continuing to issue beligerent statements.
