NEW YORK : Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Engages with Pakistani-American Community in New York
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, addressed a gathering of prominent Pakistani-Americans in New York today.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister appreciated the contributions of the Pakistani diaspora to both Pakistan and the United States, acknowledging their vital role in strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing Pakistan’s image globally.
He also appreciated the solidarity and support extended by Pakistani-Americans during the recent tensions with India and their constructive role in amplifying the voice of the Kashmiri people.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister informed the community gathering on Pakistan’s economic recovery, noting that the country had successfully completed the IMF program, significantly reduced inflation, and restored investor confidence. Sharing that global credit rating agencies had recently acknowledged Pakistan’s improved macroeconomic outlook, he reaffirmed the government’s aspiration for Pakistan to join the ranks of G-20 economies.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister emphatically underscored that Pakistan had emerged from a period of diplomatic isolation and was actively engaging on the international stage, including through recent high-level visits and multilateral diplomacy.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister also shed light on Pakistan’s current presidency and two-year non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, secured with the support of 182 countries—a testament to the international community’s confidence in Pakistan’s principled diplomacy. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Referring to regional dynamics, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister emphasized Pakistan’s outreach to neighboring Afghanistan with a view to enhancing regional connectivity through rail and trade corridors to Central Asia. He shared Pakistan’s expectation that Afghan soil would not be used for terrorism, noting recent assurances received from Afghan authorities in that regard.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and regional stability, recalling the country’s firm and resolute response during Operation Bunyan al Marsoos that led to the downing of six Indian aircraft. He praised the unity demonstrated by the nation and the diaspora during this critical moment.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister assured the community that the government was actively working toward the early resumption of PIA flights, including steps toward restoring routes to Europe and the United Kingdom, in line with international aviation compliance standards.
He outlined key initiatives of the Government, particularly the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) – designed to streamline investment procedures and unlock opportunities in priority sectors. He invited the diaspora to actively contribute to Pakistan’s development, particularly in investment, trade, education, and digital innovation.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to engaging the Pakistani-American diaspora as strategic partners in national development as well as in strengthening mutually beneficial Pakistan–U.S. bilateral cooperation.
