Hong kong: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has deeply appreciated Chinese vision of proposing and establishing International Organization for Mediation (IOMed).

Ishaq Dar was addressing the signing ceremony of the Convention establishing International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong, the Special Administrative Region of China.

During the ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister signed the Convention on behalf of Pakistan. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to China on hosting this groundbreaking event.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the pivotal role of the Chinese leadership in steering this initiative and turning a shared concept into a practical reality is a testament to the Chinese wisdom.

He said the signing ceremony not only marks beginning of a new era in the realm of international mediation and diplomacy, but also the birth of an important global institution to support principles of multilateralism and mediation.

Ishaq Dar said Pakistan believes that peace and security, as well as global prosperity, can be promoted and preserved through strict adherence to the principles of the UN Charter, faithful implementation of UN Security Council resolutions as well as international law.

The Deputy Prime Minister said recent unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by India is in blatant violation of international law represented a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.

He said by holding the international treaties such as Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance, by violating international human rights law and humanitarian norms, are new and dangerous precedents that are being set.

The Deputy Prime Minister said these unjustified acts of aggression were carried out in complete disregard of calls by the international community to exercise restraint and take steps towards de-escalation.

Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment towards peaceful resolution of disputes. Turning to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Deputy Prime Minister said unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the primary source of conflict in South Asia.

There is an urgent need for resolution of this long standing dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

He said that from occupied Jammu and Kashmir to the occupied Palestinian Territories, these long-standing disputes and situations of foreign occupation continue to pose a threat to regional and international peace and security. He said that forces of populism, ultra-nationalism, and unilateralism are on the march.

He said that the conflict and divisive rhetoric dominate the headlines, instead of dialogue and mediation. He said that the purposes and the principles of the UN Charter as well as fundamental tenets of international law, are being violated with impunity by some who are willing to sacrifice international peace at the altar of their narrow electoral gains and hegemonic regional ambitions.

Ishaq Dar said that lately, we have seen grave crises, due to blatant disregard for diplomacy, international law and mediation.

Ishaq Dar said as the creation of this organization shows, the international community will never consider violations of the UN Charter and arbitrary use of force as normal behaviour.

Ishaq Dar said that as we gather here, we must recognize the new and emerging challenges that transcend geopolitical, transnational and technological frameworks. Addressing these cross-cutting challenges requires a fresh impetus.

Ishaq Dar said that in this regard, the Global Security Initiative (GSI) put forward by President Xi Jinping offers a unique value in reinforcing the UN-centric peace and security architecture. He said that GSI's emphasis on win-win cooperation, indivisible security, respect for sovereignty, and dialogue over confrontation mirrors many of the values that drive the establishment of IOMed.

Ishaq Dar said that as a country with a strategic partnership and all-weather friendship with China, Pakistan values China's steadfast support for multilateral efforts, which aim to bridge East and West, and North and South, bringing together developed and developing countries to foster a Global Community with a Shared Future.

Ishaq Dar said Pakistan and China have always shared the view that multilateralism is the centerpiece for international peace, stability, and development. He said that the creation of IOMed today reaffirms this ideal, offering new opportunities and fresh hopes to build a more inclusive, more just and more equitable world. Pakistan will continue to be an active voice in this noble mission. He said that through our presence, we will bring to IOMed not just our rich diplomatic experience, but also our unflinching commitment to dialogue, justice and fair play. Let us commit to empower this organization, allowing it to fulfill its potential in the service of peace, equity and justice, Ishaq Dar concluded.