Pakistan emerging as global peacemaker: Dar

Says mediation role elevated Pak diplomatic standing

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LAHORE:

Pakistan is increasingly being recognised as a global 'peacemaker' and an emerging 'middle power', following its mediation role to end the war between the United States and Iran, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday.

Speaking to the media at Data Darbar in Lahore, Dar said the country's role in facilitating the US-Iran dialogue has enhanced its international standing and diplomatic profile and positively transformed the global perceptions of the country.

He said that Pakistan was once described as diplomatically isolated but was now being recognised worldwide for its constructive role in promoting peace and stability. "Today, Pakistan is being recognised across the world as a peacemaker," he said.

"Pakistan is now acknowledged as a middle power and a net security provider. The countries that previously knew little about Pakistan are now taking notice of our diplomatic engagement and mediation efforts," he said.

The DPM credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and the Foreign Office for intensive diplomatic efforts, stressing that Pakistan acted as an honest and impartial facilitator in the process.

"Much of the diplomacy remained behind the scenes because a mediator could not become a party to a dispute," Dar said. "Pakistan has ensured peace and stability in the region through mediation efforts and the nation is grateful for the respect earned during the process."

Dar reiterated Pakistan's position on the conflict involving Iran, saying Islamabad was among the first countries to condemn attacks on a "brotherly Islamic country", adding that Islamabad had simultaneously encouraged restraint and dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.

He said that Pakistan had ranked among the world's top 24 economies before slipped in subsequent years. "Pakistan's next objective is to become an economic power," he said adding the country has already emerged as a responsible nuclear and missile power.

He said the government had inherited difficult economic conditions but that the country was now moving towards growth, development and public welfare. He maintained that economic indicators were once again moving in a positive direction.

On the occasion, the deputy prime minister congratulated devotees on the 983rd Ghusl Mubarak of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) and praised the ongoing expansion of the Data Darbar complex.

"Pakistan is moving towards growth, development, and public welfare," he said. Referring to the country's economic challenges, Dar said the government inherited a damaged economy and that rebuilding it would take time.

"The four-year gap caused significant destruction, and naturally it takes time to repair the damage. However, the situation is now moving in a positive direction," he added.

Discussing regional tensions, Dar said Pakistan strongly condemned the attack on Iran and remained actively engaged in diplomatic efforts.

He revealed that he had held more than 150 contacts with his counterparts, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif maintained regular communication with world leaders.