Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has strongly defended Pakistan’s counter-terrorism record, stating that Lashkar-e-Taiba has already been dismantled, and that Pakistan has paid the highest price in the global war on terror.
Speaking at a community event in New York, Dar said Pakistan had lost over 80,000 lives and suffered $152 billion in economic losses due to terrorism. “Pakistan is not a sponsor of terrorism, it is its biggest victim,” he said.
Responding to allegations related to The Resistance Front (TRF), which India accuses of being a proxy for Lashkar-e-Taiba, Dar said the United States has yet to provide any concrete evidence. “Pakistan takes terrorism seriously. But we cannot act on political accusations without verified proof,” he emphasized.
He added that groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba had already been “eliminated,” and Pakistan’s consistent and painful sacrifices must not be overlooked or misrepresented.
Dar reiterated that Pakistan seeks strong and constructive relations with both the United States and China, and does not intend to become part of any global bloc. “Our friendship with China is time-tested, and our engagement with the U.S. is vital, but the two should not be seen in competition,” he clarified.
He welcomed the idea of revitalising ties with the U.S., especially in trade, investment, and diplomacy, while making clear that Pakistan values its sovereignty and strategic independence.
On regional peace, Dar stated that Pakistan remains open to dialogue with India and is willing to talk “if invited.” He underlined that a just resolution to the Kashmir dispute could unlock the potential for tourism, investment, and peace in the region. However, he stressed that India’s consent is essential if the U.S. is to mediate.
He also lamented the symbolic role of global institutions in conflict resolution. “The UN and the OIC must go beyond issuing statements. Both Kashmir and Palestine are long-standing disputes whose resolution is crucial for world peace,” Dar said. He called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and unhindered humanitarian aid to Palestinians, reiterating Pakistan’s support for a two-state solution.
Dar revealed that Pakistan is actively engaged in efforts to de-escalate tensions between Iran and Israel, and that the Iranian President is expected to visit Pakistan soon. He described Pakistan’s ties with Arab countries as “historic, deep, and expanding in all domains.”
Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic achievement at the UN, Dar said the unanimous adoption of Security Council Resolution 2788 marked a significant victory for Pakistan’s foreign policy.
He also welcomed a possible future visit by former U.S. President Donald Trump, noting that an official announcement would be made jointly at the appropriate time.
