ISLAMABAD – July 13:
In a pivotal week for Pakistan’s foreign policy, high-ranking Pakistani officials engaged in a series of strategic diplomatic interactions across Asia and Europe, signaling the country’s growing international engagement and reaffirming its unwavering support for Kashmiris’ rights.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar led Pakistan’s delegation at the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where discussions centered on regional peace, security, and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
On the sidelines, Senator Dar held bilateral meetings with key global leaders, including the Prime Minister of Malaysia, and Foreign Ministers of Canada, Australia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Russia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the EU High Representative. These interactions focused on boosting cooperation in trade, education, investment, tourism, political dialogue, and people-to-people ties.
While in Kuala Lumpur, the Deputy Prime Minister also engaged with the Pakistani community, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to its diaspora abroad.
On 9 July 2025, Islamabad hosted the Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, and Minister of National Defence, Yasar Güler, upon invitation by Senator Dar. Both dignitaries co-chaired respective meetings under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) framework and reviewed progress under twelve Joint Standing Committees.
During the visit, the Turkish side extended greetings from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and reiterated Türkiye’s resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation. Both sides emphasized the historical and religious ties binding Pakistan and Türkiye, along with shared goals of regional peace and development.
In Moscow, a high-level delegation led by SAPM on Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Syed Tariq Fatemi, and SAPM on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, met with Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk. Discussions spanned across areas of energy, trade, agriculture, and connectivity. Ambassador Fatemi stressed that Russia remains a priority in Pakistan’s foreign policy and a stabilizing force internationally.
SAPM Haroon Akhtar presented Pakistan’s industrial growth strategy, noting economic reforms and an investor-friendly environment under the current government.
In Islamabad, Pakistan and Afghanistan held the inaugural Additional Secretary-Level Meeting on 7 July 2025, following earlier engagements between top leadership. Discussions focused on security cooperation, trade, refugee repatriation, and tackling terrorism. Pakistan stressed the need for concrete measures against terror outfits operating from Afghan soil, threatening regional stability.
Both sides agreed to sustained dialogue and reaffirmed lasting security as a prerequisite for regional development.
Meanwhile, in Warsaw, the 9th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Poland took place on 4 July 2025, led by senior diplomats from both nations. Delegations reviewed bilateral ties and committed to enhanced cooperation in trade, education, defence, energy, agriculture, and mobility.
The consultations also covered regional and global issues, and both sides pledged deeper collaboration at multilateral platforms, including the United Nations. The next consultation round will be hosted in Islamabad in 2026.
In tandem with diplomatic efforts, Pakistan prepared to observe Kashmir Martyrs’ Day (Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir) on 13 July 2025, honoring the 22 Kashmiris martyred in 1931 in Srinagar. Foreign Office condemned continued Indian atrocities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), including extrajudicial killings, property destruction, and widespread impunity under repressive laws.
Recalling the ninth death anniversary of Kashmiri youth leader Burhan Muzaffar Wani, the Foreign Office called for an end to systemic violence and urged the Indian Government to halt the indiscriminate use of force.
The government reiterated its appeal to the international community to recognize the Kashmiri people’s plight and take concrete steps to ensure justice, dignity, and their UN-mandated right to self-determination.
