‘Inter-faith Iftar dinner’: Dar calls for global action to eradicate terrorism

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar Wednesday said Pakistan will continue to promote regional and global partnerships in combating the menace of terrorism and called for collective action to eradicate global terrorism.

Addressing the “Inter-Faith Iftar Dinner” at the Foreign Office on Wednesday, he said that Pakistan’s foreign policy is deeply rooted in the principles of peace, equality, and justice.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif participated in the iftar dinner as the guest of honour while a large number of members of the diplomatic corps were also present on the occasion.

Foreign Minister Dar, in his address, stated that Pakistan will continue to champion multilateralism, peace, development and mutual prosperity.

He stated that Pakistan is a candidate for the non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council for the years 2025 and 2026.

“Our Security Council candidature has been endorsed by [the] Asia Pacific Group of countries. We are extremely grateful to the countries that have already expressed their support and we seek the invaluable support of all other countries as well,” he added.

During its term at the Council, he stated that Pakistan would promote the Council’s mandate for the maintenance of international peace and security and help revitalise the Council to address contemporary challenges; reach across political divides; and promote multilateralism.

“In this holy month of peace and fasting, we must not forget the people of Gaza who are faced with starvation and war awaiting an end to the last six months of bloodshed and misery. Time has come for an urgent and unconditional ceasefire, as called for by the United Nations Security Council,” he added.

Dar said that the collective dream of peace and prosperity cannot be realised without the settlement of outstanding regional disputes.

“It is, therefore, important to resolve longstanding disputes on the agenda of the UNSC including Palestine and Kashmir,” he added.

Referring to the challenge of terrorism, he said that this week’s terror attack in Moscow and the deadly attack in Besham remind us that terrorism is a collective and persistent threat for everyone across the globe.

“Pakistan will continue to promote regional and global partnerships in combating this menace,” he said, adding that the war against terrorism will not end till peace wins.

“Together, we have a unique opportunity to promote dialogue and understanding among nations, regardless of our differences,” he added.

He said that Pakistan stands ready to build bridges and partnerships with countries around an agenda of peace for the entire world.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024