NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammed Ishaq Dar said on Saturday that Pakistan has ended its diplomatic isolation through proactive engagement that gives the green light for economic growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Speaking to the Pakistani community at the Pakistan Consulate in New York on Monday evening, he stated,
He mentioned that Pakistan has now good international relations, saying the country was recently host to two global events, the SCO Summit and the Conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities. World leaders visiting Pakistan in solidarity have included Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In the context of advancing Pakistan’s claims on the international stage, Senator Dar cited the country’s election to the UN Security Council for 2025-26 with a decisive 182 votes, adding that with this election, Pakistan’s status in lots of decision-making forums would be enhanced.
The gathering included prominent officials such as Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations; Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh; Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Alternate Permanent Representative to the UN; and Consul General Aamer Atozai.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s economic trajectory, Senator Dar recalled the country’s robust financial standing under former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from 2013-2017, followed by a decline that nearly led to default. However, he asserted that the present government has steered the economy back on track.
He reported a sharp decline in inflation from 40% to 2.4% in January 2025, contributing to a reduction in the policy rate. Additionally, remittances have increased, and exports have risen, bringing economic stability. He urged all political parties to set aside differences and work collectively in the national interest.
Encouraging overseas Pakistanis to invest in their homeland, he advised them to connect with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which provides a streamlined process for investors and fosters interdepartmental cooperation to fast-track projects.
Expressing optimism about Pakistan’s future, Senator Dar highlighted the country’s vast untapped natural resources and assured that ongoing efforts were focused on their development. He also reaffirmed confidence in the success of the recently launched “Uraan Pakistan” initiative.
Addressing security concerns, he pointed out that terrorism had been nearly eradicated by 2018 but resurged due to policy missteps by the previous government. He cited the influx of 30,000 to 40,000 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters as a major cause of recent terrorist incidents. He stressed that eliminating terrorism is essential for Pakistan’s progress and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace.
Speaking on the Pakistani diaspora in the U.S., Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh noted that New York is home to a significant portion of the one million Pakistanis residing in the country. He commended their hard work, success, and dedication to strengthening their Pakistani-American identity.
Consul General Aamer Atozai delivered a welcome address, and Senator Dar engaged with the audience, addressing concerns and promising improvements in services for overseas Pakistanis. Responding to a question, he expressed optimism that following the EU’s clearance of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Paris, service to New York would also resume soon.
