Pakistan on Tuesday once again called for a just resolution of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, emphasizing that it remains indispensable to lasting peace in South Asia. "Leaving this dispute unresolved perpetuates mistrust and exposes the region to recurring crises.
Regional stability also depends on respect for treaty obligations. Pakistan will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights under the Indus Waters Treaty and oppose any attempt to weaponise water.
Where millions depend on a shared resource, honouring agreements is essential to both human security and confidence between states," said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Margalla Dialogue 2026, organised by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) under the theme "Global Order in Transition: Navigating Strategic Uncertainty", he noted that these challenges have particular significance in South Asia, where unresolved disputes, military asymmetries, and unilateral actions continue to undermine strategic stability.
"These conditions call for restraint and responsible statecraft. Strategic uncertainty must not become a justification for strategic adventurism," he said, recalling Pakistan's decisive and calibrated response to India's unprovoked aggression in May 2025 through Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, which demonstrated its resolve and capability to defend its sovereignty.
"I pay tribute to our armed forces for their professionalism and resolve in the defence of Pakistan. Our position is clear.
We will defend our sovereignty with determination and pursue peace with equal commitment," he stated. Addressing security challenges on the western frontier, Dar said that terrorism emanating from Afghan territory remains a serious concern.
"Pakistan will continue to protect its people while supporting efforts towards a peaceful, stable, and economically integrated Afghanistan. Progress towards that objective requires effective action to ensure that Afghan territory is not used for terrorism against other countries, particularly Pakistan," he added.
Highlighting Pakistan's foreign policy priorities, Dar said the country makes choices with a clear sense of responsibility to safeguard its sovereignty, advance public well-being, and contribute to a peaceful and equitable world. "Our strategic partnership with China remains a cornerstone of our foreign relations.
We continue constructive engagement with the United States and are strengthening cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Iran, the Gulf countries, Europe, Central Asia, and other partners," he said. In this regard, he pointed to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, reflecting Pakistan's commitment to collective security and credible deterrence as a purely defensive arrangement directed against no country.
"These partnerships serve a consistent purpose: to strengthen Pakistan's security, widen its diplomatic options, and support its development," he concluded.