New York: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has clarified that Pakistan seeks strong and strategic relations with the United States but not at the cost of its time-tested brotherly partnership with China.
Addressing the Pakistani-American community in New York, Ishaq Dar stressed that Pakistan’s foreign policy is built on balance, peace, and mutual respect. “We told the previous US administration clearly that we want cooperation, but they didn’t respond. Fortunately, the current US government is engaging with us again,” he said.
Dar revealed that, after nearly a decade, the foreign ministers of Pakistan and the United States have finally met, marking a significant diplomatic moment. “We had an important discussion with Senator Marco Rubio on both regional and international matters,” he added.
In India, Dar didn’t mince words: “Pakistan responded firmly to Indian aggression, downing their Rafale jets and restricting airspace access. India’s propaganda following the Pulwama incident was exposed globally. Our Prime Minister even offered an international probe to bring out the truth.”
Turning to the economy, Dar claimed the current government had pulled Pakistan back from the brink. “We avoided default through calculated decisions. Today, our forex reserves are rising, the rupee is more stable, and GDP growth is recovering. Don’t forget, if the previous government had continued for six more months, Pakistan would have defaulted.”
He also reaffirmed commitment to overseas Pakistanis, calling them “the lifeblood of the nation.”
On the international stage, Dar highlighted that Pakistan is currently presiding over the UN Security Council for July 2025—a significant achievement. “Our leadership is restoring Pakistan’s global credibility.”
Finally, speaking on the sensitive case of Aafia Siddiqui, Dar assured, “She is Pakistan’s daughter. We’ve used every diplomatic and legal forum to fight for her release. No one should doubt our resolve.”
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