Govt handled the challenges in 2024 in best manner: Ishaq Dar

ISLAMABAD, Jan 02 (SABAH): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has said the perception of Pakistan’s isolation on the international stage has been dispelled by the current government through active diplomacy at both bilateral and multilateral levels. He said that the government handled the challenges in 2024 in best manner, adding that the government is making efforts to fulfill the promises made with the people. While extending greetings to the nation on the start of the New Year, Ishaq Dar said that year 2024 was year of utmost importance for us, elections were held in 2024 and people gave mandate to the PML-N, adding that he is hopeful the current year will prove best year for Paksitan.

Speaking to the media in Islamabad on Thursday, Ishaq Dar stated that nobody can now say that Pakistan is isolated. He attributed this to the country’s consistent and successful approach in expanding its diplomatic footprint.

Alluding to the election of Pakistan as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 8th time, the Deputy Prime Minister said Pakistan has assumed the seat and it will fully play its role with the collaboration of other member states.

Responding to a question, Ishaq Dar expressed Pakistan’s firm commitment to combat terrorism. He said improving trade and economic relations with Afghanistan is our priority, and that this will also improve our links with the Central Asian countries.

Regarding India, he said it takes two to tango. He said Pakistan is ready, provided there is goodwill from the Indian side. However, he stressed that it must be a two-sided effort.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the improvement in economic indicators, noting that inflation has decreased to five percent, while exports and remittances are on the rise. He emphasized that Pakistan, as a nuclear and missile power, will achieve its rightful status in the global community with continued economic progress.

Ishaq Dar said that the Foreign Office Spokesperson has been changed, adding that while consulting with Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has been appointed as Pakistan’s Ambassador to France. He said Shafqat Ali Khan has been appointed as new Foreign Office Spokesperson.