Dar discusses regional, bilateral issues with Central Asian leaders

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar concluded a regional diplomatic tour on Saturday after holding high-level talks with Central Asian and Belarusian counterparts to bolster regional connectivity, trade, defence and energy cooperation.

Mr Dar met separately with the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Tajik­istan, Uzbekistan and Belarus on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan.

The Foreign Office said the discussions aimed to strengthen Pakistan’s strategic partnerships and enhance economic integration.

With Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev, Mr Dar agreed to intensify bilateral cooperation in transport, investment and people-to-people exchanges. Mr Kosherbayev invited Mr Dar to visit Kazakhstan, which he accepted.

DPM Dar and Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov emphasised the need for closer engagement between their business communities to expand economic ties.

They underscored the importance of translating agreements reached during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Pakistan into tangible outcomes.

In a meeting with Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin, the DPM reaffirmed the longstanding, brotherly ties between Islamabad and Dushanbe. They committed to expanding collaboration in trade, culture and energy.

DPM Dar, during talks with Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, reaffirmed the commitment to the Roadmap for Comprehensive Cooperation for 2025-27. They agreed to expand collaboration in defence, agriculture, technology and workforce exchange.

Mr Dar departed from Cholpon-Ata for Islamabad on Saturday, concluding a diplomatic itinerary that also included a visit to Manila, Philippines, for the Asean Regional Forum. He was seen off by Kyrgyz Deputy Foreign Minister Mr Kairat Erkinovich Tursunkulov and Pakistani Ambassador Mr Altamash Wazir.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2026