ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan is closely monitoring the situation in Iran. At the same time, it wants to take friendly countries into confidence on the situation in Afghanistan.
At a press conference in Islamabad on Monday, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar addressed the situations in Iran and Afghanistan. He stated that Pakistan is making extensive diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and is in contact with regional countries.
Ishaq Dar pointed out that the current situation is very delicate and that all states must adhere to international laws regarding the territorial sovereignty of other nations. He reiterated that negotiations and diplomacy are the only effective paths forward, a point that Pakistan has been continuously highlighting.
Dar expressed Pakistan’s deep regret over the Iranian attacks on Gulf countries, particularly noting that a Pakistani citizen was killed in an attack in the UAE, which he described as having been launched by Iran in self-defense.
He also mentioned Pakistan’s participation in the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Peace Board, highlighting the country’s active role in promoting peace in Gaza. Additionally, he noted that Pakistan maintains strong relations with China, the United States, and other countries.
During the conference, Ishaq Dar revealed that he made three visits to Afghanistan last year to discuss trade, economic matters, and other issues.
He asserted that Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghanistan not to allow its territory to be used for terrorist activities against neighbouring countries, yet safe havens for terrorist organisations still exist within Afghanistan.
Dar noted that despite numerous discussions with Afghanistan yielding no results, Pakistan felt compelled to initiate Operation Ghazab Lil Haq in self-defence.
This operation involved targeted actions in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, Nangarhar, Khost, and Paktika, resulting in the capture of 34 Afghan checkpoints and the destruction of more than 100 others.
