Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan has only one demand from Afghanistan to stop cross-border terrorism. He added that no global power can hinder Pakistan’s path to progress.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Ishaq Dar said he recently visited Moscow, Brussels, and Bahrain. He emphasized that peace in Afghanistan is crucial for peace in the entire region, stressing that terrorism originating from Afghan soil is unacceptable.
Ishaq Dar stated that Russia and the European Union have also called for action against terrorist elements in Afghanistan. “Our single demand from Afghanistan is that it must not allow its territory to be used against Pakistan,” he said.
He noted that in Moscow, he represented Pakistan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting, following the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
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During the SCO session, Pakistan presented comprehensive proposals for poverty reduction, regional economic cooperation, and promoting peace and stability in the region. Dar said Pakistan recommended strengthening cooperation among member states in the fields of economy, trade, energy, transport links, logistics, infrastructure, humanitarian issues, and cultural exchange.
Pakistan also proposed promoting mutual payments in local currencies among SCO member states and supported the establishment of an SCO Development Bank, Development Fund, and Investment Fund.
Highlighting the regional political landscape, Dar emphasized the need for all countries to initiate an inclusive dialogue to find effective solutions to regional challenges.
He reiterated that stability in Afghanistan is vital for the peace and development of the entire region, underscoring the need for joint efforts among all SCO members to ensure lasting peace in Afghanistan.
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