Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar asserted that Pakistan, as sovereign nation, is committed to making decisions in its best interests to address energy demands and meet international obligations.

Speaking at press conference held at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responding to question, he emphasised that government’s actions regarding Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline would prioritise national interests and deter any external interference.

He termed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Pakistan as very productive. To another query, he replied that Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman would undertake bilateral visit to Pakistan soon and they would receive date in this regard, in current month.

Dar highlighted positive feedback from recent Saudi delegation, expressing admiration for Pakistan’s progress and affirming government’s commitment to fostering economic cooperation.

He condemned recent terrorist incidents, attributing their origin to Afghan soil. When asked about restrictions on social media platforms, Dar referenced Article 19 of Constitution, stressing that freedom of expression is subject to legal boundaries.

He said that Pakistan played very active and leading role in key issues confronting Muslim ummah including immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Islamophobia, Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and other economic-related subjects.

Dar addressed global issue of Islamophobia, urging OIC to adopt unified approach against dissemination of offensive material on social media platforms. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 08 2024

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