Dar Champions Regional Peace, Rejects Normalization of Arbitrary Force

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On July 15, 2025, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional peace and rejected the normalization of arbitrary force during his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Tianjin, China. Amid growing tensions in South Asia and the Middle East, Dar called for diplomacy and adherence to international law, positioning Pakistan as a firm advocate for sovereignty and regional stability.

Dar’s remarks followed heightened tensions with India, particularly after the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. He referenced Pakistan’s limited military response—Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos—as a defensive measure under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The operation, carried out in early May 2025, targeted Indian military installations with precision, avoiding civilian areas. “Pakistan remains committed to the ceasefire and regional equilibrium,” Dar said, while warning, “We cannot accept the arbitrary use of force as a new norm.”

He emphasized that the Kashmir dispute must be resolved through comprehensive dialogue in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions. His call for negotiations comes amid accusations from India that Pakistan is destabilizing the region—charges Islamabad denies, insisting that its actions are defensive and proportionate.

Expanding beyond South Asia, Dar condemned ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and recent joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets, calling them violations of international law and threats to regional stability. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue, based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds (Jerusalem) as the capital of Palestine.

On the sidelines of the summit, Dar held meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and foreign ministers from Iran, Russia, and Central Asian states. These talks focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, and regional security. Describing China as an “iron-clad brother,” Dar emphasized the strategic importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a model for regional integration. He also proposed structural reforms within the SCO, including adopting English as a third official language to enhance the organization’s accessibility.

Dar’s speech was widely covered by regional media and praised by diplomats and analysts who support Pakistan’s position of “peace through strength.” His firm rejection of unilateral aggression and emphasis on multilateral dialogue align with Pakistan’s broader foreign policy objectives—maintaining stability while resisting coercion.