Islamabad 27 July: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan has successfully overcome years of diplomatic isolation and is now re-emerging on the global stage, experiencing a period of international reintegration and economic rebound.
Speaking to the Pakistani-American community at the Pakistan Consulate in New York on Dar described the country’s progress over the past three years as significant, especially in the political and economic spheres.
New Developments
Returning from Washington, D.C., Dar briefed the audience on his recent meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He described the discussion as cordial and productive, covering key regional and global matters. Expressing optimism, he said the dialogue marks a step forward in enhancing U.S.–Pakistan relations.
Dar also underscored Pakistan’s growing diplomatic footprint, including its current presidency of the UN Security Council, secured with the backing of 182 member states. A resolution tabled by Pakistan promoting peaceful conflict resolution was adopted unanimously—an indication of international trust in Pakistan’s foreign policy direction.
Additionally, the government is working towards restarting Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to New York, following recent route restorations to the UK and Europe.
Accompanied by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, and New York Consul General Aamir Ahmed Atozai, Senator Dar highlighted a dramatic drop in inflation from 40% to 2.4% as of January 2025, attributing the progress to sound economic policies. He cited the successful completion of the IMF programme and renewed investor confidence, recognized by international credit rating agencies.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s goal of joining the G-20 and credited PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif for his ongoing guidance to the federal and Punjab governments. He also briefed the audience on the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), designed to streamline foreign and local investments in key sectors.
Referring to regional stability, Dar emphasized Pakistan’s efforts to enhance trade and transit connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia while reiterating the need for Afghan soil not to be used for terrorism—an assurance he said Pakistan has received from Kabul authorities.
He further touched on the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, saying that Islamabad continues to pursue her release through diplomatic channels and legal efforts.
Dar praised the Pakistani-American community for their strong contributions to both countries and their advocacy on Pakistan’s core issues. He commended their support during past tensions with India, recounting the Pakistan Air Force’s defensive response and the unity shown by the nation during the crisis. He applauded the leadership of Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his role in safeguarding national security.
Ambassador Sheikh also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the role of a strong economy in ensuring a strong defense and encouraging diaspora investment in Pakistan to help boost national growth and global credibility.
