By The South Asia Times

MANILA — Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday called for greater international cooperation to address regional conflicts, terrorism and climate change, while highlighting Islamabad's role in mediating recent tensions in the Gulf during the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in the Philippines.

Addressing ministers and delegates at the 33rd ARF Ministerial Meeting in Manila, Dar said growing geopolitical tensions were placing increasing pressure on multilateral institutions and urged countries to strengthen dialogue and preventive diplomacy to preserve regional and global stability.

He welcomed the adoption of the Manila Plan of Action (2026–2036) and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to supporting the ASEAN Regional Forum's efforts to address emerging security challenges, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, climate change, food and energy security, disaster resilience and public health.

Pakistan highlights Gulf mediation

Dar said the recent conflict in the Gulf had affected countries across Asia and beyond, describing Pakistan's diplomatic engagement as an effort to restore regional peace.

He told the forum that Pakistan had helped facilitate a ceasefire and hosted leadership-level talks between the United States and Iran, which culminated in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed following negotiations in Burgenstock, Switzerland.

"We deeply appreciate the confidence entrusted in Pakistan by the United States, Iran, Gulf countries and all our friends to steer these efforts," Dar said.

He urged all parties to exercise restraint, uphold their commitments and pursue dialogue, expressing hope that diplomatic efforts would contribute to lasting peace, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the restoration of normal maritime shipping.

Kashmir, water dispute with India

Turning to South Asia, Dar said unresolved disputes continued to undermine regional peace and singled out Kashmir as the core issue between Pakistan and India.

He reiterated Pakistan's support for what he described as a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Dar also criticized India's decision to suspend implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty, describing it as an attempt to "weaponize water resources" and warning that it threatened the livelihoods of around 240 million people in Pakistan.

India has previously defended its position on the treaty following bilateral tensions.

Terrorism and Afghanistan

The Pakistani foreign minister said terrorism remained one of the most serious challenges facing the international community, noting that Pakistan had lost more than 80,000 lives and suffered economic losses exceeding $150 billion during decades of counterterrorism operations.

He said Pakistan continued to face threats from militant groups operating from Afghan territory, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

Dar called on Afghanistan's Taliban authorities to prevent their territory from being used to launch attacks against neighboring countries.

"Pakistan has only one expectation from the Afghan Taliban regime: do not allow Afghan territory to be used for terrorism against Pakistan," he said.

The Taliban administration has repeatedly denied allowing Afghan soil to be used against other countries.

Gaza, Ukraine and South China Sea

Dar described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "deeply alarming," reiterating Pakistan's support for an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

On Ukraine, he reaffirmed Pakistan's support for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the principles of the UN Charter.

Addressing tensions in the South China Sea, Dar called for disputes to be resolved peacefully through dialogue and mutual respect, while reaffirming Pakistan's support for the One-China policy, recognizing the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China.

Climate cooperation

Dar also urged stronger international cooperation to tackle climate change, describing Pakistan as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate-related disasters.

He called for increased global support based on the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to expanding clean energy and implementing its climate goals.

Concluding his address, Dar said Pakistan remained committed to the objectives of the ASEAN Regional Forum and urged member states to strengthen cooperation based on dialogue, mutual respect and sovereign equality to build a more peaceful and resilient Asia-Pacific region.