Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar Champions Regional Stability at SCO Summit

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Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, delivered a firm and principled address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Tianjin, China, on July 15, 2025. His speech reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and security, emphasizing diplomacy, multilateralism, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Against the backdrop of escalating tensions in South Asia and the Middle East, Dar positioned Pakistan as a responsible and stabilizing force in a volatile environment.

Speaking at the foreign ministers’ meeting of the 10-member SCO, which includes China, Russia, India, and Iran, Dar stressed the urgent need for dialogue over confrontation. He called for resolving longstanding disputes, particularly in South Asia, through structured diplomatic engagement. “Disputes and differences must be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy, not coercion or unilateral action,” Dar stated, warning against the normalization of force as a political tool.

He specifically referenced the April 2025 Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. India had accused Pakistan-based groups of involvement, but Dar cautioned against hasty blame without credible evidence. He urged all parties to adopt restraint and avoid escalatory rhetoric, arguing that peace and regional balance depend on mutual respect and non-aggression.

Dar also addressed broader security concerns. He condemned recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, calling them unacceptable acts against a sovereign SCO member. Additionally, he denounced Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza, reiterating Pakistan’s support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, in line with international consensus and UN resolutions.

On the sidelines of the conference, Dar held bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from Iran, Russia, and several Central Asian countries, focusing on cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, and defense. These discussions were aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s strategic partnerships across the region.

Dar’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing further underscored the depth of Pakistan-China relations. Describing China as an “iron-clad brother,” Dar highlighted the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a key pillar of regional connectivity and economic growth. He also proposed organizational reforms for the SCO, including the adoption of English as a third official language, aimed at expanding the bloc’s international engagement and operational inclusivity.

By championing peaceful dialogue, regional cooperation, and international law, Dar’s speech reinforced Pakistan’s evolving foreign policy doctrine—one rooted in strategic pragmatism and principled diplomacy. His engagements in Tianjin signaled Pakistan’s intent to play a more proactive role in regional security while maintaining strong bilateral ties with both traditional allies and emerging partners.