Dar chairs landmark debates, secures UN resolution on peaceful conflict settlement during Pakistan’s UNSC presidency
Sardar Shaukat Mehmood Khan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, is currently leading high-level diplomatic engagements in the United States, as Pakistan marks its presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with a strong push for multilateralism, peaceful dispute resolution, and humanitarian justice.Durning press briefing, spokesperson of Foreign Office Shafqat Ali Khan explained to media that in his visit to New York, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, participated in the General Debate of the Ministerial Segment of the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on 21 July 2025.In his national statement, the DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; outlined key policy measures driving inclusive growth, climate resilience, and economic reform; and highlighted transformative initiatives taken by Pakistan in achieving SDGs. The DPM/FM called for a just & inclusive international financial architecture that supports the sustainable goals of developing countries and further reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to global cooperation for a more equitable and resilient future. On the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, met the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, and the President of the UN General Assembly, Philémon Yang, at the UNHQ. The DPM/FM reiterated Pakistan’s firm support for multilateralism and the UN’s central role in conflict resolution, sustainable development, and the protection of fundamental rights. He highlighted Pakistan’s initiatives during the Presidency of the UN Security Council, particularly its focus on multilateralism & UN-OIC cooperation. The He also raised key issues of national & regional concern, including the Jammu & Kashmir dispute and the violations of the Indus Waters Treaty. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Palestinian statehood, called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and opposed Israel’s illegal annexation plans in the West Bank. As part of Pakistan’s Security Council signature events, the DPM/FM chaired a high-level Open Debate on “Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and Peaceful Settlement of Disputes” on 22 July 2025. During his remarks, the DPM/FM underscored that importance of multilateralism; highlighted selective application of international law, from Gaza to Jammu & Kashmir, as untenable; pointed out the unilateral actions which are undermining international agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT); and urged respect for such commitments to preserve peace and cooperation. On the same day, the UN Security Council also unanimously adopted, under Pakistan’s Presidency, Resolution 2788, on “Strengthening Mechanisms for the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes” in a UNSC session presided by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.The resolution inter-Alia urges greater use of UN Charter Chapter VI tools including negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, and resort to regional and sub-regional organizations, as well as good offices of the Secretary General, and calls for inclusive diplomacy. In addition, the DPM/FM presided over the Quarterly Open Debate of the Security Council on the “Situation in the Middle East including the Palestinian Question” on 23 July 2025.Delivering Pakistan’s national statement, the DPM/FM condemned systematic targeting of hospitals, schools, UN facilities, aid convoys and refugee camps as deliberate acts of collective punishment, in flagrant violation of International Humanitarian Law, numerous Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, as well as binding provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Characterizing the Palestinian question a litmus test for the credibility of the United Nations, the DPM/FM urged the Security Council to take action for immediate ceasefire, unimpeded aid access, end to occupation & forced displacement, renewed and reinforced international support to UNRWA, implementation of the Arab and OIC-led reconstruction plan for Gaza, and revival of the 2-state solution. The DPM/FM will also chair a high-level briefing of the UN Security Council today in New York that focusses on enhancing cooperation between the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). On the sidelines, the DPM/FM met the Special Envoy for Global Affairs of the Austrian Chancellor, Peter Launsky; the UK Minister for Africa, the UN, Commonwealth, and Multilateral Affairs, Lord Collins of Highbury; Thailand’s Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa; and Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal Al-Ibrahim. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, also engaged with leading investment, banking and IT professionals in New York. Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, along with the Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, held a trilateral meeting on 17 July 2025 in Kabul ahead of the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Joint Feasibility Study for Uzbek-Afghan-Pak (UAP) Railway project. The meeting reaffirmed ties and a shared commitment to peace, connectivity, trade, and regional development. The three sides emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation to unlock the region’s economic potential and ensure long-term prosperity for their peoples. On the sidelines of the signing ceremony, the DPM/FM met with Prime Minister of Afghanistan, Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund; and the Acting Interior Minister of Afghanistan, Sirajuddin Haqqani. The 10th Political Dialogue between the European Union (EU) and Pakistan took place on 17 July 2025 in Brussels. The Pakistan delegation was led by the Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Amna Baloch, and the EU delegation was headed by Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service, Olof Skoog. The Dialogue covered key issues of the EU-Pakistan bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues, including the situation in Gaza and Ukraine and the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Both sides agreed to deepen dialogue and discussions on security matters, including counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. The EU and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) signed in 2019 and further reiterated their resolve to continue close engagement under the GSP+ framework.
