Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad, Dar said Pakistan’s foreign policy was anchored in dialogue, regional cooperation and economic engagement.

He reiterated that lasting peace in South Asia depended on a just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

He also called for the reversal of India’s August 5, 2019 actions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Dar said Pakistan possessed both the will and capability to respond to any aggression but would continue to prioritise diplomacy.

He highlighted the country’s “all-weather” strategic partnership with China and said ties with the United States were expanding beyond security to trade, technology and investment.

The foreign minister added that relations with Bangladesh, Central Asian states and Gulf countries were being strengthened through high-level engagements and economic cooperation.

Calling economic diplomacy a central pillar of foreign policy, Dar said Pakistan was focusing on investment, IT, minerals, energy and manufacturing to drive growth.

He described Pakistan’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2025-26 as a sign of international confidence in its constructive diplomacy.