Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday characterized his three-day visit to China as “highly successful,” asserting that Pakistan made significant progress on diplomatic, strategic, and economic fronts during his engagements in Beijing.
Addressing a press conference, Dar clarified that this was not a routine diplomatic engagement. With clear and urgent objectives, he conducted bilateral meetings with the Chinese leadership and participated in trilateral talks that included Afghanistan.
He further informed the media that a clear consensus was reached with both China and Afghanistan: no terrorist organization—be it TTP, BLA, or any other militant group—would be permitted to use any country’s soil against another.
Referring to CPEC 2.0, he added, “We have successfully laid the groundwork for expanded cooperation under the Belt and Road initiative.”
He also confirmed China’s expressed intent to finance the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan railway project, hailing it as a transformative step for regional connectivity.
“We have already sent a draft framework to Uzbekistan and Afghanistan… I am committed to finalizing this by early June.”
Dar stated that the financing and coordination for this project were directly addressed with China, which responded positively. “This project, along with the Peshawar-Kabul Highway and ML-1 upgrades, will massively boost Pakistan’s connectivity to the Central Asian Republics and enhance the commercial potential of our under-utilized ports.”
Reflecting on security cooperation, FM Dar asserted, “China has deep concerns over attacks against their people in Pakistan. I assured them that we are addressing these threats seriously. We discussed a permanent mechanism to prevent cross-border terrorism. I commend both China and Afghanistan for aligning with our zero-tolerance stance.”
Recalling their previous government’s tenure from 2013 to 2017, he reiterated that over $4 billion was expended on Operation Zarb-e-Azb, leading to the effective elimination of terrorism. “Unfortunately, the situation deteriorated due to the previous regime’s careless border policies and the release of hardcore terrorists. Now, our resolve is clear: we will crush terrorism with an iron hand as we did before.”
Dar further emphasized that the Chinese leadership stood firmly with Pakistan on all core issues. “They reiterated their support for our sovereignty and territorial integrity and backed Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, calling for a resolution in line with UN Security Council resolutions. We reaffirmed our support for the One China Policy, including Tibet.”
Marking the 74th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic ties, Dar congratulated China and extended an invitation to their officials for the second round of the Pakistan–China Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad, following the first round held in Beijing.
He also shared that the Chinese minister for international development and a senior Communist Party leader met his delegation and commended Pakistan’s global outreach. “He proposed the formation of a Global Political Parties Forum—hosted in China—and appreciated the participation of PML-N, PPP, and PTI members. I informed him our party leadership had decided to send a PML-N senator to represent Pakistan in the next interaction beginning May 24.”
Addressing the regional security situation following Indian hostility that led to a four-day conflict between the two nuclear-armed states, Dar stated, “We have successfully countered the Indian narrative—especially regarding the events of 2019. We offered an international investigation into the Pahalgam incident, which India declined. Our transparency strengthened Pakistan’s credibility, and several international actors endorsed our position after verifying the facts.”
He condemned Indian attacks while sharing details of the recent conflict. According to the foreign minister, approximately 75 Indian aircraft were launched, 24 payloads dropped, and multiple aircraft, including Rafales and a UAV, were downed by Pakistan.
“We responded in daylight under the UN Charter—not as cowards, but as a responsible, sovereign nation.”
He confirmed that the ceasefire agreement, brokered after US Secretary of State Rubio’s call, was holding and stated that military-to-military engagements via DGMOs were progressing smoothly. “Our deterrence is defensive, not aggressive. We have never built our nukes and missiles to attack others, but to safeguard peace.”
Dar termed recent remarks by the Indian Defence Minister “regrettable” and said, “Pakistan desires peace. However, we will always defend our sovereignty with full force when challenged.”
The foreign minister highlighted his government’s commitment to improving ties with Afghanistan. “We have religious, cultural, historical, and geographical ties with Afghanistan. Our outreach was welcomed across Afghan society. We need to progress beyond the charge d’affaires level and engage substantively.”
He also announced an extension of the transit document regime for Afghan drivers and vehicles until June 30 and introduced a single document regime of a $100 multiple-entry visa for Afghan citizens. “These initiatives were deeply appreciated by Afghan officials,” he noted.
Dar congratulated Field Marshal Asim Munir on his promotion, calling it a “well-deserved recognition” for his extraordinary leadership and cooperation during national security engagements.
He also informed the media that during the Pakistan-India tension, he made over 60 calls to counterparts, including deputy prime ministers and leaders from countries like Qatar, to present Pakistan’s perspective. “The world now understands our position. Pakistan is not just a frontline state against terrorism but also one of its greatest victims—with over 85,000 lives lost and $150 billion in economic losses,” he added.
