ISLAMABAD- Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, met with the President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), H.E. Philemon Yang, in New York on Monday, where he strongly raised India’s continued violations of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and called for urgent international attention to regional peace and security issues.
During the meeting, the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on global developments, including the Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, and key priorities on the UN agenda such as sustainable development, inclusive governance, and multilateral reform.
Senator Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism and the central role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security. He emphasised the urgent need for strengthening global governance and reforming the United Nations to better reflect the interests of the wider international community.
Commending President Yang’s leadership in promoting the “Pact for the Future” and the UN80 Initiative, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of aligning these initiatives for a more effective, inclusive, and responsive United Nations system.
Concerns Over Indian Actions and Regional Stability
Dar expressed grave concerns over India’s aggressive regional posture, including its disinformation campaigns, violations of the Indus Waters Treaty, and illegal actions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He reiterated that such actions undermine regional stability and called on the international community to take immediate notice.
Highlighting India’s alleged support for terrorism through proxies, Dar underlined the necessity for a peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes between Pakistan and India, based on international law, UN Security Council resolutions, and the UN Charter.
President Yang expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s active engagement at the United Nations and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing peace, sustainable development, and effective multilateralism during his tenure.
Dar Calls for Debt Relief and Global Financial Reforms
Earlier the same day, Senator Dar addressed the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the UN, where he emphasised the need for debt relief and access to grant-based finance for developing nations to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda, he highlighted key national initiatives focused on inclusive growth, climate resilience, and social welfare, including:
Uraan Pakistan programme for national development,
Danish Schools for underprivileged children,
Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) for middle-class support,
And ambitious goals to achieve 60% renewable energy by 2030.
Dar also spoke about climate-focused programmes like Recharge Pakistan and Living Indus, and efforts to empower youth through the Digital Youth Hub and education reforms.
He further highlighted Pakistan’s macroeconomic reforms and the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in creating a favorable environment for foreign investment.
Calling for fundamental changes to the global financial system, the Deputy Prime Minister said the upcoming 80th anniversary of the UN offers a critical opportunity to build a stronger, more responsive, and representative international order.
