Manila: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has welcomed the adoption of the Manila Plan of Action 2026-2036 and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to its effective implementation.
Ishaq Dar was addressing the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting in Manila, Philippines on Thursday. Ishaq Dar reiterated that Pakistan remains firmly committed to the objectives and principles of the ASEAN Regional Forum. He also called for renewing collective resolve to build a peaceful, inclusive, and resilient region where sovereign equality, mutual respect, and dialogue remain the foundation of our shared future.
Ishaq Dar said as we also commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, Pakistan also stands firmly committed to its cardinal principles of dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the ASEAN Regional Forum has established itself as an indispensable pillar of the regional security architecture. He said in an increasingly complex strategic environment, the ASEAN Regional Forum must continue to strengthen its preventive diplomacy role by remaining dynamic, forward-looking, and focused on practical action.
Turning to the situation in the Middle East, the Deputy Prime Minister said the unfortunate developments in the Gulf region have seriously impacted all of our countries. He said Pakistan did everything within its capacity to help restore peace and stability in the region, and continues to do so.
Ishaq Dar deeply appreciated the confidence entrusted in Pakistan by the United States, Iran, Gulf countries, and all friends to steer these efforts.
He said these hard-earned achievements through dialogue and diplomacy have created a valuable opportunity to advance lasting peace. The Deputy Prime Minister said Pakistan remains committed to making every effort to establish peace and stability in the region. He urged all parties to exercise restraint, uphold their commitments and pursue peaceful engagement.
Ishaq Dar said Pakistan remains hopeful that these efforts will contribute to regional stability, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of normal shipping.
He said the international community must continue to support and reinforce these efforts through sustained dialogue, diplomacy and constructive engagement to help achieve lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond.
Mentioning the situation in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Deputy Prime Minister said the continued failure to resolve long-standing disputes, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan, remains at the heart of regional instability. He said Pakistan continues to advocate a just and peaceful settlement in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He said Pakistan also remains deeply concerned by India's illegal unilateral decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, seeking to weaponize water resources in violation of its international obligations. He said Pakistan couldn't afford to let this serious provocative development remain unaddressed.
The Deputy Prime Minister urged the entire international community, particularly the ASEAN Regional Forum members, to support a peaceful resolution of these core issues and uphold international law.
About war on terrorism, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan, despite all odds, is determined to fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He said this is a long-term commitment that requires sustained national efforts and enhanced international cooperation.
He called upon the Afghan Taliban regime and all abettors of terrorism in the region to refrain from allowing Afghan territory to be used against its neighbours or anyone else. He also urged ASEAN Regional Forum members to support efforts aimed at ensuring that Afghan territory is not used to threaten regional peace and security.
Meanwhile according to the statement issued by the Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, Ishaq Dar, led Pakistan's delegation at the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting, held in Manila on 23 July 2026. Foreign ministers and representatives of 27 ARF member states attended the meeting, alongside the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in his speech at the plenary session highlighted political and security challenges being faced by the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and the world. He said that only through dialogue and diplomacy progress could be made for achieving lasting peace and stability. He also briefed the Meeting on Pakistan's proactive role as a mediator and facilitator during the Iran-US conflict, highlighting its implications for the world.
The Deputy Prime Minister underscored that lasting peace in South Asia remains contingent upon the just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions. He expressed concerns over India's illegal unilateral step of holding in abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty. He warned that that such actions undermine bilateral agreements, heighten regional tensions, and carry serious implications for peace, stability, and the livelihoods of millions in South Asia and beyond.
The Deputy Prime Minister held several highly productive bilateral meetings on the sidelines. These included the Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, Rt. Hon. Winston Peters; the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom David Miliband; the Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Viktorovich Lavro; the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi; Foreign Minister of Egypt Badr Abdelatty; the Foreign Minister of Australia, Senator Penny Wong; the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Vijitha Herath; the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn; and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas.
During these high-level interactions, discussions were held on global geopolitical challenges. Leaders from ARF countries widely appreciated Pakistan's constructive and proactive role as a mediator in defusing tensions during the Iran-US conflict. They emphasized the critical importance of maintaining maximum restraint and utilizing institutional dialogue to secure sustainable global peace. The Deputy Prime Minister also held comprehensive discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation across diverse spectrum of mutual interests, specifically focusing on strengthening partnerships in education, health, economy, science, trade and investment.
The Deputy Prime Minister also visited the Asian Development Bank headquarters in Manila and held a meeting with Mr. Yingming Yang, Vice President ADB (South Central and West Asia), Ms. Fatima Yasmin, Vice President ADB (Sectors and Themes) and other senior officials to explore ways to further strengthen infrastructure, climate resilience, regional connectivity, and sustainable economic growth. The Main Line-1 railway project, a flagship project of the government, was also discussed.
Meanwhile Ishaq Dar, after the conclusion of his successful visit to Manila for the 33rd ARF, has departed for Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) Meeting.
Ishaq Dar expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Philippine Government and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) team for the gracious hospitality accorded to him and his delegation during their visit to Manila.
DPM/FM will lead the Pakistan delegation to the SCO-CFM Meeting (23-24 July) and hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from SCO member states on the sidelines of the meeting.