WEBDESK: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that Islamabad is ready to cooperate with India to end terrorism and is committed to regional peace and global partnerships.
Speaking at the Atlantic Council in Washington, Mr Dar said that Pakistan is willing to hold talks with India, even at a neutral venue, but added that these talks must be meaningful. “We are ready to talk, but the dialogue should be result-oriented,” he stated.
He criticised India for using “baseless excuses” to divert global attention from real regional issues and said that Pakistan has already taken action against banned groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba. “Pakistan cannot ignore the situation in the region. Constructive dialogue is the need of the hour,” he said.
On international issues, Ishaq Dar called for the recognition of Palestine as a free state with Jerusalem as its capital. He also stressed that Pakistan wants strong economic relations with the United States.
“We want trade, not aid,” Mr Dar said, adding that Pakistan is looking for a partnership based on mutual interest. He called his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio “positive and productive” and said that a trade agreement between the two countries could be signed in the coming days.
Commenting on a recent arms deal with China, Mr Dar clarified that it is not meant to harm relations with the United States. “Pakistan does not view its ties with one country through the lens of another,” he said.
Ishaq Dar added that the world is changing fast, the global economy is under pressure, and terrorism remains a serious threat. “Pakistan is playing an active role in the fight against terrorism,” he added.
Mr Dar criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for its 126-day protest in 2014, calling it damaging to the country’s economy. On the events of 9 May, he said that the law would take its course.
“Popularity does not give anyone the right to take the law into their own hands,” he said. “If someone picks up arms, even a person seeking reconciliation cannot do much.”
Ishaq Dar also made it clear that the current government has no role in legal actions against the PTI founder. “All cases are being heard by the courts,” he added.
Ishaq Dar also spoke about Dr Aafia Siddiqui, who has been jailed in the US for several years. He said that she remains in custody under American law.
He reiterated Pakistan’s position on sovereignty and foreign relations. “Pakistan does not interfere in the affairs of other countries and will not compromise on its own sovereignty. We do not want conflict with our neighbours,” he said.
Commenting on international developments, Mr Dar said that Russia’s decision to recognise the Afghan government is its own and reflects its independent foreign policy.
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