Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering and principled support for the Palestinians' inalienable right to an independent state based on the pre-1967 borders.
He was speaking at the United Nations High-Level International Conference on "The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution" in New York. The Deputy Prime Minister said for over 75 years the Palestinian people have endured occupation, displacement and denial of their fundamental rights.
Referring to current situation in Gaza, he said the death and destruction inflicted by Israel including the killing of over 58,000 Palestinians was an unconscionable breach of international humanitarian law, the United Nations resolutions and the binding measures of the International Court of Justice. He called for an unconditional, immediate and permanent ceasefire across Gaza and all Palestinian Occupied territories.
Ishaq Dar also urged full and unimpeded humanitarian access especially of life saving food and medicines to Gaza and the protection of humanitarian teams.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister has reiterated Islamabad’s interest in a “composite dialogue” with New Delhi to discuss all outstanding issues between the two South Asian countries, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday
Responding to a question about his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington last week, Ishaq Dar told a press conference in New York late Monday that while military-to-military communications were taking place, there was no contact on the political side.
A political dialogue, the DPM/FM said will ultimately have to take place to resolve the problems between the two countries.
Ishaq Dar was asked about any follow-up on Rubio’s statement on May 10 that India and Pakistan have agreed to hold talks at a “neutral site” following a period of escalating tensions.
Dar said that the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere in which they discussed a wide range of issues.
Pakistan, he said, made absolutely clear that without a resolution of the Kashmir dispute, in accordance with United Nations resolutions, there will no durable peace in the region.
Pakistan, Dar said, was ready for dialogue with India, adding that Pakistan seeks a composite dialogue that includes Kashmir as well as other issues, including Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
At the same time, Dar said Pakistan remains alert and keeping a close watch on the situation, with Pakistan-India ceasefire is still holding,
In this regard, he praised the leadership of Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asif Munir during the standoff with India.
Replying to another question, the DPM/FM said he had invited Secretary Rubio to visit Pakistan.
He also emphasized the IWT cannot be suspended. India suspended the treaty on April 23, 2025; one day after the Pahalgam incident in Indian-occupied Kashmir, blaming Pakistan for the attack without any evidence. Pakistan firmly denied any involvement in the attack.
Pakistan has repeatedly shared its stance that if India blocks Pakistan’s strategic waters, it will be considered an act of war, since millions depend on these waters for agriculture and hence food security is directly linked with uninterrupted water flow.
In a move that directly clashes with international norms, and IWT’s own clauses, India pulled out of treaty unilaterally, a move that is being acknowledge worldwide as politically motivated.
The treaty was signed in 1960 and the World Bank is a facilitator, often dubbed a protector, whenever any disagreement occurs on this water-sharing deal.
On relations with Afghanistan, Dar highlighted Pakistan’s outreach to Afghanistan, a neighbouring Muslim country, with a view to enhancing regional connectivity through rail and trade corridors to Central Asia.
Pakistan’s relations with Iran have also greatly improved, he said.
The DPM/FM held the press conference at the end of his week-long visit to the US during which he presided over Pakistan’s signature events at the UN Security Council.
Thank you #Team_Pakistan at #Pakistan_Mission, United Nations, under leadership of Ambassador Asim Iftikhar @PakistanPR_UN,
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) July 29, 2025
for all the support and assistance during my visit for the signature events of Pakistan’s Presidency of the UNSC! pic.twitter.com/Xick2fYwwT