ISLAMABAD – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar declared Pakistan’s recent visit to China a “highly successful” mission, with significant progress made on diplomatic, strategic, and economic fronts.
Addressing the media in Islamabad on Thursday, Dar said the visit was no ordinary diplomatic runaround but involved urgent and clear objectives. He held crucial bilateral talks with Chinese leadership and trilateral discussions including Afghanistan.
One of the key takeaways: Pakistan and China agreed to expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and include Afghanistan in the Belt and Road Initiative. China will also fund a Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan railway project, boosting regional connectivity. Plus, a new highway from Peshawar to Kabul was greenlit, expected to energize trade and enhance Gwadar Port’s potential.
Dar stressed that Pakistan countered India’s narrative regarding regional security and offered an international investigation into the Pahalgam incident— which India rejected. Transparency and facts bolstered Pakistan’s credibility globally.
He reaffirmed that the ceasefire with India remains intact, and military-to-military talks are ongoing smoothly. Despite recent hostile remarks by India’s Defense Minister, Dar emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to peace while vowing to defend its sovereignty fiercely.
The foreign minister also highlighted deepening ties with Afghanistan, announcing extended transit and visa facilitation for Afghan nationals — moves warmly welcomed by Afghan officials.
Dar concluded by underscoring Pakistan’s fight against terrorism and the massive sacrifices made, reminding the world that Pakistan stands firm not just as a frontline state but as one of terrorism’s biggest victims.
