CAIRO (Urdu Times) Ishaq Dar reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace at CICA Ministerial Meeting
By Rehan Khan
CAIRO: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to achieving common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security in Asia while participating virtually in the 7th Ministerial Meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).
The meeting, hosted by CICA chair Azerbaijan in a virtual format, focused on enhancing regional cooperation, promoting peace, and advancing sustainable development across Asia.
Addressing the forum from Cairo, where he is attending the D-8 Summit, the deputy prime minister underscored CICA’s vital role in addressing key regional challenges such as political disputes, conflicts, and poverty, which continue to impede collective progress.
Dar emphasized the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international law in resolving long-standing disputes. He specifically called for just and inclusive political solutions for issues like Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir, which remain central to regional peace and stability.
A significant part of Pakistan’s address focused on the need to strengthen regional connectivity as a means to foster economic integration and sustainable development. Highlighting initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Dar noted that these projects can serve as catalysts for shared growth by boosting infrastructure development, enhancing trade, and improving energy linkages across the region.
He reiterated that regional connectivity is critical for unlocking Asia’s economic potential and promoting prosperity among its nations.
Pakistan, a founding member of CICA, remains dedicated to the forum’s vision of fostering peace, security, and stability among its 28 member states. CICA serves as a multinational platform aimed at enhancing cooperation and building confidence to address common challenges and achieve sustainable progress in Asia.
