ANTALYA (April 18, 2026) — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called for a renewed focus on multilateralism and regional cooperation to overcome the “trust deficit” hindering South Asia’s economic potential. Speaking at a panel titled “Trading Trust: The Future of Economic Integration and Stability in South Asia” on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Dar warned that the region remains one of the least integrated in the world.
Key Highlights
- Dar noted that ongoing regional tensions have disrupted energy and food supply chains, fueling inflation across South Asian economies.
- He reiterated that resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UNSC resolutions is essential for lasting regional peace.
- Dar held six bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from Europe, Africa, and Asia, all of whom praised Pakistan’s mediation in the US-Iran conflict.
- He emphasized the role of SAARC and the United Nations in restoring trust and unlocking shared growth.
DPM / FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, Foreign Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), on sidelines of #AntalyaDiplomacyForum, @AntalyaDF.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation… pic.twitter.com/AmUsQj5H5J
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 17, 2026
Unlocking regional growth
Dar argued that South Asia’s vast potential remains untapped due to a lack of connectivity and people-to-people linkages. He noted that the “ripple effects” of regional conflicts are no longer localized, as disruptions in energy security now directly impact the daily lives of citizens through food insecurity and economic instability. He urged a shift toward “cooperative regional mechanisms” to break the cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.
Global recognition for Pakistan’s mediation
Throughout the forum, Dar engaged in a series of high-level meetings where Pakistan’s recent role as a bridge between Washington and Tehran took center stage:
Austria & Singapore: Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Minister Gan Siow Huang both expressed “strong support” and appreciation for Pakistan’s role in the historic Islamabad Talks.
Pleased to meet Ms. Gan Siow Huang, Ministers of State for Trade & Industry of Singapore, on the sidelines of #ADF2026 in Antalya today.
As we mark 60 years of Pakistan–Singapore diplomatic relations, we reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening cooperation across all… pic.twitter.com/q6kv1spfgn
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) April 17, 2026
Algeria & Bangladesh: FMs Ahmed Attaf and Dr. Khalilur Rahman commended Pakistan’s efforts in achieving the initial April 8 ceasefire, describing it as a vital step for global stability.
Bosnia & Herzegovina: FM Elmedin Konaković reaffirmed historical bonds, noting that both nations have consistently stood by each other during crises.
Strengthening the diaspora and trade
In a targeted discussion with Northern Cyprus FM Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, Dar secured a commitment to enhance the education and welfare of the Pakistani diaspora. Meanwhile, his meeting with Singaporean leadership marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, with both sides resolving to deepen economic cooperation and trade.
A call for international frameworks
Dar concluded his engagements by stressing that regional stability cannot be achieved in a vacuum. He called on international bodies to ensure respect for global frameworks, asserting that “dialogue and diplomacy” are the only tools capable of navigating the current uncertainties of the Middle East and South Asia alike.
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