New York, July 27, 2025 – Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, has reiterated the country’s desire to build robust ties with the United States, emphasizing that these should not be viewed through the lens of its longstanding strategic friendship with China.

Speaking to the Pakistani diaspora during a community engagement event in New York, Dar outlined the government’s ongoing efforts to stabilize Pakistan’s economy and enhance its global diplomatic stature. “We want strong and multifaceted relations with the U.S.,” he said, “but these should not be interpreted as compromising our friendship with China.”

Economic Recovery and Reforms:

Dar proudly highlighted the significant strides the coalition government has made in restoring Pakistan’s economy after inheriting a crisis-ridden financial landscape. “We pulled the country back from the brink of default,” he said. “Over the past three years, we’ve managed to improve key macroeconomic indicators, strengthened our foreign exchange reserves, and achieved notable GDP growth. Inflation has dropped considerably, and we’re now moving toward sustained stability.”

He underscored that international financial institutions, including the IMF and World Bank, have acknowledged Pakistan’s economic recovery. “Our next major goal is to position Pakistan among the G20 countries. We’re committed to transforming our economy, enhancing investor confidence, and ensuring long-term stability.”

Diplomatic Re-engagement and U.S. Relations:

Dar also shed light on Pakistan’s renewed diplomatic engagement across the globe. “At one point, we were diplomatically isolated—no country wanted to engage with us. Today, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, Pakistan is actively reconnecting with the world,” he said.

He shared that after nearly a decade, a high-level meeting between the foreign ministers of Pakistan and the United States was held. “During my meeting with U.S. Secretary of State, we had comprehensive discussions on bilateral cooperation, regional stability, and future engagements. I conveyed clearly: Pakistan wants to deepen ties with the U.S., but this must not be viewed as coming at the expense of our strategic partnership with China.”

On Global Peace and Regional Stability:

Reinforcing Pakistan’s foreign policy direction, Dar stated, “Pakistan believes in peaceful coexistence and resolving international disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. We are committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.”

He elaborated that Pakistan is taking decisive steps to eradicate terrorism from its soil. Referring to his recent visit to Afghanistan, he mentioned candid discussions with Afghan authorities. “We told them directly: Do not allow your territory to be used against Pakistan. We want peace and progress in Afghanistan. A stable Afghanistan is in the best interest of the entire region.”

Achievements on the Security Front:

Foreign Minister Dar did not shy away from discussing the nation’s readiness to defend its sovereignty. Referring to past military tensions with India, he stated, “Pakistan has proven time and again that it can respond decisively to aggression. We downed Rafale jets and crushed India’s false sense of superiority.”

He recounted how Pakistan responded to India’s provocations following the Pulwama incident. “When India acted recklessly, we responded with calculated strength. We suspended the Indus Waters Treaty temporarily and closed our airspace. Our Prime Minister even offered international investigation to prove our sincerity and counter Indian propaganda.”

He added, “We’ve successfully exposed India’s misinformation campaigns at global forums. Their frustration continues to show.”

Political Challenges and Coalition Governance:

Dar also addressed the political instability that plagued Pakistan prior to the coalition government’s takeover. He pointed out that the decision to support the no-confidence motion against the former PTI-led government was not taken lightly. “It was a difficult choice, but one we made in the national interest. Had that government continued for just six more months, the country would have faced financial collapse.”

Vision for the Future:

Throughout his address, Dar emphasized a vision of economic empowerment, diplomatic assertiveness, and regional peace. “Pakistan wants to be seen as a constructive global player—committed to peace, prosperity, and international cooperation. We are no longer the Pakistan of isolation. We are a confident, re-engaged, forward-looking country.”

The event concluded with enthusiastic applause from the overseas Pakistani community, many of whom expressed optimism about Pakistan’s trajectory under the current leadership. The Foreign Minister’s remarks were received as both a reaffirmation of Pakistan’s strategic autonomy and a call for greater unity and engagement with the global community.