Dar says Pakistan seeks economic strength after diplomatic success

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday said Pakistan had emerged as a “peacemaker” on the global stage, crediting the country’s role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran.

Speaking to the media in Lahore after attending the 983rd annual Ghusl ceremony at the shrine of Data Ganj Bakhsh, Dar said Pakistan, once perceived by some as diplomatically isolated, was now gaining international recognition for its constructive diplomatic engagement.

“Today, the world knows Pakistan as a peacemaker,” he said, adding that Islamabad’s efforts had helped promote regional stability and strengthen its standing in international affairs.

The deputy prime minister said Pakistan was increasingly being viewed as a “middle power” with an active diplomatic role and stressed that the country’s next goal should be to establish itself as a major economic force. He credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with working tirelessly to steer the economy towards growth and development.

Referring to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s previous tenure, Dar said key macroeconomic indicators had improved significantly between 2013 and 2017, attracting international recognition and foreign investment.

“Even Europe used to admire the economic trajectory. The level of foreign investment had peaked,” he said.

He lamented that Pakistan’s economic ranking had subsequently declined but maintained that the government was now working to reverse that trend.

“In the next four years, Pakistan, which had grown to be the 24th largest economy in the world, fell to the 47th spot,” he added

Highlighting Pakistan’s recent diplomatic efforts, Dar said Islamabad had been among the first countries to condemn attacks on Iran and had consistently supported de-escalation in the region. He stated Pakistan remained actively engaged in efforts to secure a ceasefire from February 28 to June 25 and said the country’s role in promoting peace had earned it widespread international appreciation.

Dar also described Pakistan as a responsible nuclear power and said the country’s diplomatic and strategic capabilities had gained global recognition. He urged the nation to remain focused on economic progress and national development.