New York: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has stated that the country is not facing any pressure from the United States and would not yield to any external influence.
Speaking to reporters at the conclusion of his U.S. visit on Thursday, Mr. Dar affirmed that relations between Pakistan and the U.S. remain positive. He clarified that he had no official meetings with members of the Trump administration during his trip.
Mr. Dar also announced that an urgent meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers will be held in Jeddah on March 7. The session will focus on the Gaza crisis, particularly in response to recent U.S. proposals regarding the relocation of Palestinian people. He said that key regional players, including Iran, Egypt, Malaysia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, had advocated for this meeting to formulate a collective stance on the issue.
Addressing concerns over rising cross-border attacks by the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Mr. Dar reiterated Pakistan’s call for Afghanistan’s interim government to prevent militant groups from operating from its territory. He also disclosed plans for a visit to Kabul to remind Afghan leaders of their international responsibilities, particularly regarding cross-border security.
Mr. Dar attributed the resurgence of terrorism in Pakistan to policy decisions made by the previous PTI-led government, alleging that their actions enabled the return of TTP fighters. He recalled that Pakistan had nearly eradicated terrorism by 2018.
Beyond security matters, the deputy prime minister underscored Pakistan’s humanitarian support for Afghanistan, stressing the importance of economic development and regional connectivity projects linking Central Asia with Pakistan through Afghan territory.
